Optical Shielding Research Articles

Lead fluoride as a multifunctional modifier in bismuth gadolinium borate glasses: Optical, structural, and radiation attenuation characterization

This study systematically evaluates the role of PbF2 in altering the optical and radiation shielding properties of bismuth gadolinium borate glasses with compositions 30Bi2O3–Gd2O3-xPbF2-(70-x)B2O3, for x ranging from 0 to 40 mol. %. The introduction of PbF2 significantly modified the absorbance profile, exhibiting distinct absorption peaks at 3.45, 4.15, and 4.69 eV, shifting from a flat curve in the undoped sample to well-defined peaks with increasing PbF2 content. Crucially, a reduction in both the direct and indirect optical band gaps was observed as the PbF2 content increased, indicating changes in the electronic structure of the glasses. Photon and neutron shielding capabilities were analyzed, revealing that the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), half-value layer (T0.5), and effective atomic number (Zeff) were enhanced with PbF2 additions. Notably, the BGPB5 sample contained 40 mol. % PbF2 outperformed other compositions, offering the highest attenuation efficiency, which surpassed some conventional glasses and concretes. Simultaneously, an inversely proportional relationship was found between PbF2 concentration and the effective removal cross-section for fast neutrons (ΣR), demonstrating the BGPB1 sample's superiority as a neutron shield. The incorporation of PbF2 in the glass matrix not only improved gamma radiation shielding but also tuned the optical properties, marking these glasses as potential candidates for multifunctional radiation shielding applications.

Optical and gamma-ray shielding properties of calcium sodium borate glasses with varied equal concentrations of ZnO and BaO

This study presents the optical and radiation shielding characteristics of a newly developed borate glass, doped with equal quantities of ZnO and BaO, and modified with calcium and sodium. The glass samples were prepared using the melt quenching technique, with the composition formula (80-x-y)B2O3-10CaO-10Na2O-xZnO-yBaO, where x and y were varied at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%. Comprehensive analyses of the optical and gamma shielding properties were carried out using UV–visible spectrophotometry and Phy-X software, respectively. The UV–visible spectroscopic data allowed for the calculation of various parameters including the direct and indirect optical energy band gaps, refractive index, dielectric constants, and polarizability. It was observed that the direct optical energy band gap decreased from 3.91 to 3.10 eV, while the indirect band gap fell from 3.41 to 2.91 eV with increasing ZnO and BaO content. Conversely, the refractive index rose from 2.29 to 2.42 with higher concentrations of ZnO and BaO. The linear attenuation coefficients (LACs) across the range of 0.015–15 MeV exhibited an inverse relationship. Among the glass samples, B40Zn20Ba20 exhibited the lowest tenth value layer (TVL) and the highest effective atomic number (Zeff), indicating its superior performance as a radiation shielding material. Overall, the produced glass samples demonstrate commendable properties for both optical applications and radiation shielding.

Influence of Nb2O5 additives on SiO2–Pb3O4–ZnO glasses: a physical, structural, elastic, optical, and radiation shielding properties

A series of zinc lead silicate glass having compositions: 60SiO2—35Pb3O4—(5-x) ZnO-xNb2O5 where ( 0≤x≥5 ) mol% were successfully fabricated, by applying the melt-quenching technique. The density of these glasses increased from 5.91, gcm−3 for ZSPNb-0 to 6.782, gcm−3 for ZSPNb-5. Using ultrasonic velocity ( VL ) and ( VT ) data from the ultrasonic technique, elastic moduli and microhardness were computed. Both ( VL ) and ( VT ) increased, going from 4935 to 5215 m s−1 and 2520 to 2845 m s−1, respectively. Because of these results, the glass’s elastic moduli increase, and its structure becomes more rigid. The optical description Eg, n, α o, ε r, χ(3), n2, M, T and further were researched. Totally, the optical considerations are persuaded by alter niobium contents in the present specimens. As the concentration of Nb2O5 in the glass increases, (LAC) is also increased, while (HVL), and (MFP) decreased. This means that ZSPNb glass with higher Nb2O5 content becomes more effective at attenuating or reducing the intensity of gamma radiation. Such enhanced radiation-shielding properties make ZSPNb glass a promising material for potential applications in radiation shielding.

Optical, TL and radiation shielding studies of YxSb10−xCa30P60 bio glasses

Optical, TL and radiation shielding studies of YxSb10−xCa30P60 bio glasses

Impact of B2O3/Co3O4 substitution on structure, physical, optical characteristics and photon attenuation capacity of borosilicate glasses

The impact of substitution of B2O3/Co3O4 in borosilicate glasses on their optical, structural, and physical characteristics as well as their ability to attenuate γ-rays was examined. Using the traditional melt quenching process, glass samples with the chemical formula (45-X)B2O3+15SiO2+ 20BaF2+20Na2O + XCo3O4, where X equals 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mol%. The prepared samples were coded as Co-0.0 - Co-2.0. XRD measurements revealed the non-crystalline character of the Co-X samples. The molar volume (Vm) decreased from 31.19 cm3/mol to 31.08 cm3/mol, although the density (ρ) increased from 2.81 g/cm3 to 2.94 g/cm3. When comparing Co-0.0 and Co-2.0, the direct optical band gap (EgDirect) values reduced from 4.32 eV to 3.77 eV, while the indirect optical band gap (EgIndirect) decreased from 3.93 eV to 3.44 eV. The Co-X glasses' Urbach's energy (EU) ranged from 0.297 eV to 0.248 eV. As the ratio of Co2+ ions rose, the optical dielectric constants of Co-X glasses, ε1 (actual part) and ε2 (imaginary portion) were improved. The linear (μ) and mass (μm) attenuation coefficients and effective atomic number (Zef) were followed the order: Co-2.0 > Co-1.5 > Co-1.0 > Co-0.5 > Co-0.0. The created Co-2.0 glass, which has the maximum amount of cobalt (III) oxide, has the lowest mean free path (MFP) and half/tenth value layers (H/TVL). The examined Co-X glasses can be employed for optical and γ-ray shielding purposes, as confirmed by the results.

Influence of doping soda-lime-silica glasses with Gd2O3, In2O3, and La2O3 on the enhancing of their physical, opto-mechanical and radiation shielding properties

A series of soda-lime-silicate glasses doped Gd2O3, In2O3, and La2O3 rare earth ions was prepared using the melt-quenching technique. The prepared glass samples are designed depending on a chemical composition of (15-X)Na2O – 30CaO – 55SiO2 –XM2O3, where X = 1.0 mol% and M = Ga (NCSG), In (NCSI), and La (NCSL). The amorphous state of the synthesized samples confirmed by XRD analysis, and structural changes were studied via density (ρg), molar volume (Vm), Oxygen molar volume (Vo), and Oxygen packing density (OPD). The mechanical and shielding attenuation parameters of the produced glasses were also projected. The ρg of prepared glasses increased from 2.742 to 2.829 g/cm3 as a result of M2O3-dopant with high molecular weight rare earth oxides. Whereas, the physical parameters Vm, Vo, and OPD were behave in the same trend. Elastic moduli were improved when Na2O replaced with M2O3. The M2O3/Na2O replacement led to increase stiffer and rigidity of the prepared glasses. The NCSL sample was possessed the lowest optical energy band (Eopt.) values (3.45 eV and 2.63 eV for direct and indirect transitions). The NCSL glass sample possessed the highest mass (MAC) and linear (LAC) absorption capacity. In addition, the same glass sample verified the lowest values of half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP). Thus, the sample coded as NCSL sample including La2O3 is a superior for optical and radiation shielding capacities among all studied glasses. Therefore, the studied glasses can be applied for several optical and radiation shielding applications.

Optimization of structure, optical, magnetic, and radiation shielding properties of ZnO@xSrFe12O19 nanocomposites

In this work, the pristine ZnO, SrFe12O19 (SFO), and their nanocomposites (ZnO/x SFO: x = 1, 3 and 5%) were synthesized by co-precipitation and sonomechanical method. The x-ray diffraction data validate the preparation of ZnO, SFO, and nanocomposite samples with high phase purity. The optical band gap was calculated from UV–vis-NIR diffuse reflectance measurements, and it was modified by increasing SFO content. Adding 1, 3, and 5 wt% of SFO to the ZnO matrix showed ferromagnetic characteristics for the nanocomposites with a squareness ratio of around 0.49, which considered these nanocomposites as a magnetic semiconductor suitable for digital memory and spintronic applications. Additionally, the radiation shielding features of the prepared samples were evaluated. The shielding parameters for the studied samples were obtained using the Phy-X/PSD program. The fast neutron removal cross-section of SFO was 0.094 cm−1, the highest among the investigated samples, while the composites had similar values, about 0.083 cm−1. The results indicated that the γ--ray attenuation ability and the values of exposure buildup factor for the prepared samples were close. Therefore, ZnO, SFO, and their nanocomposites compared to stationary shielding materials (SMs), can be candidates for applications where radiation protection is needed.

The role of Bi2O3 on improving the physical, optical and radiation shielding properties of TeO2–BaO–ZnO glasses

The role of Bi2O3 on improving the physical, optical and radiation shielding properties of TeO2–BaO–ZnO glasses

Scaling up features of photocatalytic degradation and radiation shielding of multicomponent Cr–Co–Zn nanoferrites

Optical, photocatalytic activity, and radiation shielding studies were conducted on CrxCo0.8Zn0.2Fe2-xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, Δx = 0.02) nanoferrites for water treatment and radiation shielding applications. The optical absorption analysis revealed that the optical band gap energy values range from 1.864 to 1.803 eV as assessed through Tauc plots. Further analysis of photocatalytic degradation showed that the Cr0.06Co0.8Zn0.2Fe1.94O4 sample exhibited superior methylene blue (MB) dye removal compared to other samples, with an efficiency of 96.74% in 60 min. Additionally, the present nanoferrites exhibited excellent stability in photocatalytic degradation over multiple cycles. The study also investigated the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the current ferrite nanoparticles, demonstrating increased LAC values with higher Cr content, while the half value layer (HVL) diminished with further Cr concentration. The HVL values indicated the potential efficacy of our nanoferrites as radiation shields when compared to standard radiation shielding materials. Overall, this research suggests a new direction for optimizing spinel nanomaterials for applications in water treatment and radiation shielding.

Design and characterization of borosilicate glass modified with TiO2 for enhanced optical and radiation shielding applications

This work investigates the potential of borosilicate glass doped with titanium dioxide (TiO2) for radiation shielding applications. The study explored the impact of varying TiO2 concentrations on the glass structure, optical properties, and radiation shielding effectiveness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the amorphous nature of the glasses. The addition of TiO2 affected the glass network structure, as evidenced by changes in the Raman spectra and density measurements. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a red shift in the absorption edge (416–481 nm) and a decrease in the indirect optical band gap (2.91–2.70 eV) with increasing TiO2 content. The refractive index also increased from 2.54 to 3.54 with TiO2 concentration. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) and linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) increased significantly with TiO2 addition, indicating enhanced radiation attenuation capability. The inclusion of TiO2 reduced the half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP), while increasing the effective atomic number (Zeff). The effective electron density (Neff) and effective conductivity (Ceff) showed a slight increase with TiO2 content. Energy build-up factors (EBF and EABF) indicated a higher rate of radiation intensity increase and energy absorption within the glass due to the presence of TiO2. Finally, the incorporation of TiO2 into borosilicate glass offered a promising approach to developing improved optical and radiation shielding glasses.

An in-depth analysis of the optical and radiation shielding characteristics of PbF2-MoO3-Bi2O3-B2O3 glasses

This study investigates the optical and radiation shielding characteristics of different glass systems, such as PbF2, MoO3, Bi2O3, and B2O3, with varied concentrations of PbF2. The glass samples were manufactured by a melt quenching technique, with a composition of 20 Bi2O3—10 MoO3 - (70-x) B2O3-x PbF2, where x is a value between 0 and 20 mol%. The optical properties were evaluated using UV–vis spectrophotometry, while the radiation shielding parameters were calculated using Phy-X/PSD software. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) at 0.015 MeV exhibited an increase from 34.101 to 54.190 cm2 g−1 as the quantity of PbF2 rose. At an energy of 15.0 keV, the effective atomic number (Zeff) increased from 74.11 to 76.63, while the half-value layer (HVL) decreased from 0.00263 cm to 0.00188 cm. The values of the optical band gap (Eg) ranged from 2.577 to 2.105 eV, showing a decrease as the PbF2 content rose. The study shows that these glass structures can be utilized in advanced technological applications that demand higher optical and radiation shielding properties, thanks to their improved characteristics with increasing PbF2 content.

Boro-tellurite glasses reinforced with ZrO2: Synthesis, structure, physical, optical characteristics as well as γ-ray shielding capacity

In this study, structure, physical, optical characteristics as well as γ-ray protection capacity of boro-tellurite reinforced with ZrO2 glasses with general chemical formula (51-X)B2O3+20TeO2+19CaO+10Li2O + XZrO2 and substitution ratios of ZrO2 = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mol% was investigated. All studied BTZO-X specimens were in non-crystalline state. Density (ρ) of BTZO-X increased from 2.80 g/cm3 to 3.11 g/cm3. Molar volume of BTZO-X declined from 28.85 cm3/mol to 26.89 cm3/mol. The absorption peak of BTZO-X samples shifted towards a red shift (longer wavelengths). The optical density (OD) enhanced, while the skin depth (ϕ) decreased as a function of photon energy. The mass-absorption (MAC) values accomplished the order; MAC (BTZO-5) > MAC (BTZO-3) > MAC (BTZO-2) > MAC (BTZO-1) > MAC (BTZO-0). Half-value layer and mean free path (MFP) verified the conditions; (BTZO-5)HVL,MFP < (BTZO-3)HVL,MFP < (BTZO-2)HVL,MFP < (BTZO-1)HVL,MFP < (BTZO-0)HVL,MFP. Results concluded that the suggested glass matrix can be used in optical and radiation shielding applications.

Exploring the potential of bismuth-containing silicate borate glasses for optoelectronic devices and radiation protection

This study studied novel bismuth silicate borate glasses with different bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) concentrations for their optical and γ-radiation shielding capabilities. The glass samples were characterized using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy to determine their optical properties, including the optical absorption spectra, absorption edge, and optical band gaps. The FLUKA algorithm was used to determine the radiation shielding parameters in the energy range of 0.01–15 MeV. The results revealed that the optical absorption edge and intensity were influenced by the Bi2O3 concentration, with the highest absorption observed in the sample with 35 mol% Bi2O3. The direct and indirect optical band gaps decreased with adding Bi2O3 up to 15 mol%, then increased at 25 mol%, and then reduced to the lowest value at 35 mol%. The system's crystallite size grew as the amount of Bi2O3 in the sample increased, as revealed by XRD. With increasing Bi2O3 content, it was discovered that the mass attenuation coefficient (μm) and radiation shielding effectiveness rose. The effective atomic number (Zeff) values increased as Bi2O3 content grew. T0.5 values of the glass samples increased as the energy increased and decreased as the Bi2O3 concentration increased. These findings suggest that prepared glasses with high Bi2O3 concentrations have potential applications in radiation shielding and optoelectronics.

Influence of La3+ ions on the structural, elastic, optical, and radiation shielding properties of Cr2O3-Doped heavy metal glasses

This study investigates the effect of La³⁺ rare earth ions on the structural, elastic, optical, and radiation shielding features of heavy metal borate glass (B₂O₃-PbO) doped with Cr₂O₃. Density measurements and FT-IR spectra analysis revealed the role of La3+ ions as a network modifier, where successive additions of La2O3 content led to a gradual increase in the density and an increase in the non-bridging oxygen content resulting from the structural transformation between the BO4 and BO3 units. The significant improvement in the elastic modulus and microhardness factor moduli was confirmed by calculating the change in ultrasonic velocities through the glassy system. The structural modifications induced by La³⁺ ions narrowed the band gap and increased the Urbach energy, indicating higher disorder within the glass network. The linear refractive indices increased due to increased optical basicity and electronic polarization. Optical absorption results showed that Cr⁶⁺/Cr³⁺ ions occupy octahedral/tetrahedral sites, with the tendency for Cr³⁺ cations to occupy more octahedral sites with increasing La₂O₃ content. The produced samples showed a greenish-yellow color caused by the absorption band centered at ∼415 nm associated with the electronic transition ⁴A₂g(F)→2Eg(G). The ligand field effect highlighted the significance of La³⁺ cations in increasing the crystalline field intensity surrounding Cr³⁺ cations and reducing the nephelauxetic ratio, signifying enhanced covalent character between Cr³⁺ cations and neighboring ions. Moreover, the radiation shielding capabilities of the glassy system were analyzed and compared with standard shielding materials, confirming superior shielding performance in samples with the highest La₂O₃ content.

Fabrication of ZrO2 Doped (30-x)BaO-30TiO2-40SiO2-xZrO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 6) Glasses: Enhanced Physical, Optical and Radiation Shielding Characteristics for Optoelectronics Applications

Fabrication of ZrO2 Doped (30-x)BaO-30TiO2-40SiO2-xZrO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 6) Glasses: Enhanced Physical, Optical and Radiation Shielding Characteristics for Optoelectronics Applications

Cr-substituted Mn–Zn ferrite nanoparticles: A study of optical, photocatalytic degradation, and radiation shielding evolution

In this work, we investigate the impact of chromium (Cr) additives on the optical, photocatalytic degradation and the radiation attenuation features of chromium-manganese (Mn)-zinc (Zn)-based spinel nanoferrite (named MZCF-nanoferrites. The Kubelka-Munk approach of reflectance results and Tauc's plots were exploited to verify the energy gap (Eg) of the MZCFx ferrite nanoparticles. The nanoferrites MZCF0, MZCF1, MZCF2, MZCF3, MZCF4, and MZCF5 have Eg values 1.826, 1.811, 1.797, 1.784, 1.772, and 1.769 eV, respectively. The comparative study of the photocatalytic degradation for the optimal (Mn0.8Zn0.2Cr0.1Fe1.9O4) nanoferrite sample and many reported photocatalytic materials evidenced that the MZCF5 nanoferrite has methylene blue dye removal ability higher than those materials (96.38 %, in 60 min). Moreover, this comparative study showed the improved photocatalytic degradation stability performance of the present nanoferrites (just 1.65 % efficiency was decreased after five cycles). The present study proposes a novel approach toward spinel nanoferrites, focusing on the optical and photocatalytic characteristics of the MZCFx-nanoferrites that can be applicable in water treatment fields. Examining linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of MZCFx-nanoferrite at 0.662 MeV, we observe increased LAC values 0.286 cm−1 to 0.344 cm−1 with increasing Cr additions. Conversely, the half value layer (HVL) values at 0.662 MeV decreased 2.421 cm–2.017 cm with increasing Cr additions. By comparing the HVL values of the MZCFx-nanoferrites at 0.662 MeV to some selected radiation shielding materials, the HVL of the MZCFx-nanoferrites showed smaller values. These findings offer promising perspectives for optimization of spinel nano materials for use in radiation shielding applications.

Structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of cyclosilicates crystals: Hirshfeld topological geometries

AbstractThis study explores the structural, radiation, and optical properties of cyclosilicates minerals (CMs), providing comprehensive analyses of molar volumes, densities, band gap values, and effective atomic numbers. The structural properties were found to be dependent on the correlations with the interatomic interactions derived from the analysis of Hirshfeld topological surfaces (HTSs) and their voids. In examining a broad energy spectrum from 0.015 to 15 MeV, the study focuses on mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) and linear mass attenuation coefficient (LAC). Results show that MAC values are the highest for the BaTi(SiO3)3 crystal, highlighting its superior γ‐ray attenuation capabilities among other CMs. The study finds that Hirshfeld volume, and surface ranged between 344.21 and 2640.98 Å3 and 388.91 and 1326.97 Å2, reveals distinct electron density distribution characteristics in CM materials. The study probes the impact of HTSs on structural (113 &lt; Vm &lt; 686 cm3/mol), optical (1.95 &lt; n &lt; 2.38), and radiation shielding (13.0 &lt; LAC &lt; 102.0 1/cm at E = 15.0 keV) values, demonstrating that altering the O…A (A = atom in the CM crystal) interactions align with the charge density, potentially tuning other physical values.

Structural, thermo-mechanical, optical and gamma-ray shielding properties of lead-free BaO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 and lead-based PbO–Bi2O3–K2O–SiO2 glasses

Lead-free BaO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 glass (BZBS) and lead-based PbO–Bi2O3–K2O–SiO2 glass (LS) were synthesized by melt quench technique. Glass samples were irradiated using 60Co gamma source up to 50 kGy dose to study the changes in structural, thermo-mechanical, optical and gamma ray shielding properties. Measured density values of both the glasses were greater than 4.0 g/cc. X Ray Diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed amorphous nature of prepared glasses before and after gamma irradiation. The structural changes induced by gamma irradiation were also investigated using Raman, Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. PALS data revealed increase in free volume/voids after irradiation. Defect studies carried using EPR spectroscopy confirmed formation of electron trap centre in BZBS glass, whereas in LS glass in addition to the electron trap centers, non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHC) and peroxy radical defects were also observed. Investigations on thermo-mechanical properties demonstrated higher glass transition temperature (Tg), hardness and modulus of elasticity values for BZBS glass as compared to the LS glass, which were found to be decreased after irradiation because of radiation induced defects. Visible transparency and band gap for BZBS glass were found to be higher than that in LS glass. After irradiation, colour change, reduction in transparency as well as band gap, and red shift in absorption edge were observed due to the formation of defects in both the glasses. The values of radiation induced absorption (α) at three different visible wavelengths have been determined for 50 kGy dose using UV–Vis transmission data. Analysis of refractive index data showed around 12 % reflection losses for both the glasses. Annealing of irradiated samples using UV light source showed significant improvement in transparency. Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was calculated using XCOM program and experimentally measured using 60Co 1.33 MeV gamma ray. Linear attenuation coefficient of BZBS glass was around 0.20 cm−1 whereas for LS glass value was 0.24 cm−1. Half value layer thickness of prepared glasses was also compared with available standard materials and it was found that prepared glasses may be suitable for shielding of high energy gamma rays.

Impact of bismuth oxide on structural, optical and gamma-ray shielding properties of calcium-sodium-borate glasses.

In the present study, we have prepared six glass samples of bismuth borate using the melt-quenching method with the composition (70-x)B2O3-10CaO-20Na2O-xBi2O3; x=0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15mol%. The density of the prepared glasses was determined using Archimedes principle. The X-ray diffraction patterns provide confirmation of the amorphous nature of the prepared samples, whereas the Fourier transform infrared measurements pointed to the existence of structural units like BO3, BO4, BiO3 and BiO6 within the glass network. An assessment of the optical absorption spectra unveiled that with the increase in the bismuth oxide content, there was a decrease observed in both the direct and indirect band gap energies. Specifically, they decreased from 3.40 to 2.79eV and from 3.10 to 2.46eV, respectively. The properties related to gamma ray attenuation, including the mass attenuation coefficient (μm), effective atomic number (Zeff), half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP), were examined for all the glass samples. This investigation was carried out using the Phy-X/PSD software, covering the energy range from 0.511 to 1.332MeV. Out of all the samples, Bi-15, featuring the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated the highest μm, Zeff, the smallest HVL and MFP. These results suggest that the glass with 15mol% of Bi2O3 offers the most effective gamma radiation shielding performance. Moreover, the glasses examined in this study exhibit superior radiation shielding characteristics compared with specific concrete types, namely, ordinary concrete, Hematite serpentine concrete and barite concrete, as well as commercial glasses such as RS-360 and RS-253.

Exploration of optical, mechanical and radiation shielding properties in B2O3-BaO-Na2O-ZnO-CaO glasses: A compositional study

We investigated the optical, mechanical, and radiation shielding features of a novel B2O3-BaO-Na2O-ZnO-CaO glasses prepared using the melt-quench method. Using UV–Vis spectroscopy, the optical features were characterized. The results indicate that upon reducing the B2O3 content, the band gap decreases from 3.722 eV to 3.069 eV, and refractive indices increase from 2.225 to 2.378. On the other hand, mechanical properties were studied based on the Makishima–Mackenzie model. Young's modulus, for instance, decreased from 93.314 GPa (G1) to 78.896 GPa (G4). Radiation shielding properties were studied using the Phy-X software, and the results showed significant variations, with the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) values at 0.015 MeV being 48.378 cm−1 for G1, cm−1 for G2, 75.282 cm−1 for G3, and 89.360 cm−1 for G4. The half-value layer (HVL) at 0.015 MeV ranged from 0.014 cm (G1) to 0.008 cm (G4). The results indicate that increasing BaO-Na2O-ZnO-CaO content improves the glass's radiation shielding ability but decreases its mechanical strength.