Investigations on transition metals (Zn, Co) and alkali metals (Ca, Na) boro-tellurite glasses for gamma ray sensing applications: Physical properties and gamma ray attenuation aspects

This research explored the gamma ray shielding properties of boro-tellurite glass by separate addition of alkali and transition metal oxides. Shielding capacity of the prepared glasses were explained by considering attenuation parameters such as exposure build-up factor (EBF), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), mean free path (MFP) and so on. We considered density of the corresponding glass compositions in steps of 2.35, 3.53, 4.56 and 5.21 g/cm³ for the corresponding concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% oxide compositions. EBF analysis revealed that all the glass samples have zero peaks at 1 mfp, and then high peaks at 49 keV corresponding to 30 mfp depth. Glass sample with zinc oxide revealed the lowest exposure because of high Z_eq, which was low in the region of pair production. Additionally, we have noted that EBF increased with photon energy as well as penetration depths in correlation with previous data. This research found glass sample with zinc oxide best for gamma ray shielding due to its low values of MFP, HVL and TVL, and then high values of Z_eff. The investigated glasses have demonstrated well improved gamma ray shielding properties which makes them suitable shielding aids in medical and industrial applications. By using heavy and alkali metal oxides, the glasses ensure a long-term durability in an unfriendly environment. The new features unveiled by this research are that the general sustainability of oxides in photon attenuation depends on their safety, effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility to various applications.