Optimization of optical properties and radiation shielding efficiency in BaO-PbO2-B2O3-Dy2O3 glass systems

This work explores the optical characteristics and radiation shielding efficiency of 21BaO-(14+3x) PbO2-(65-4x) B2O3-yDy2O3; x = y = 0, 1, 2 and 3 mol% glass systems synthesized through the conventional method called melt-quenching. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the incorporation of PbO2 and Dy3+ ions influenced optical transitions, leading to an increased cut-off wavelength, a reduction in energy band gaps from 2.424 to 2.319 eV for indirect transitions, and rise in the refractive index from 2.563 to 2.611. These findings indicate structural changes within the glass network, particularly the production of non-bridging oxygen atoms (NBOs). Radiation shielding features, computed with Phy-X software, revealed that the glass with 23 mol% PbO2 and 3 mol% Dy2O3 (Pb23Dy3) had the highest mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC and LAC), lowest half-value layer (HVL), Tenth value layer (TVL) and superior radiation protection efficiency (RPE) across a broad energy spectrum (0.015–15 MeV). These results suggest that adding PbO2 and Dy2O3 greatly improves the glass's optical performance and radiation attenuation capability, making it a highly effective option for advanced radiation protection uses. •21BaO-(14+3x) PbO2-(65-4x) B2O3-yDy2O3 glasses were prepared.•The density elevated from 4.11 to 4.89 g/cm3 as the dopant contents increased.•The incorporation of PbO2 and Dy3+ ions influenced optical transitions.•The glass with 23 mol% PbO2 and 3 mol% Dy2O3 (Pb23Dy3) had the highest MAC.