Structural, dielectric, and radiation shielding properties of erbium doped phosphate glasses

Novel phosphate glasses augmented with different amounts of the erbium (Er₂O₃) oxide were created in this work using the melt-quench process. The amorphous nature was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. The density for the resultant glass sample is increased when P₂O₅ is substituted with Er₂O₃. The structure of current glasses was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Increased local ordering and the creation of Er-linked cross-bridges (Er-O-P interactions), which lower NBO concentration, are two structural changes brought about by Er₂O₃ doping up to 0.5 mol%. The dielectric properties were assessed throughout a wide frequency spectrum. Two distinct parts show the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant, ε': a falling portion during small frequencies and a plateau portion over large frequencies. It is clear that (ε') declines at 0.25 as well as 0.5 mol% Er₂O₃ and continuously increases at higher concentrations. Additionally, (σ_ac) exhibits a similar trend, declining at Er₂O₃ values of 0.25 and 0.5 mol% and gradually increasing at higher concentrations. The computability of glass through cross linked at low Er doping is the main reason for reduction in ε', and σ_ac. The Er-0.5 specimen with a minimum (ε') and ac conductivity is the ideal option for packing material because to its maximal propagation velocity. Phy-X/PSD software was used to calculate the mean free path (G_MFP), equivalent atomic number (G_Zeq), and fast neutron removal cross-sections (G_FNRCS). Furthermore, build up factors (G_BF) were calculated for photon energies from 0.015 to 15 MeV and penetration depths from 0.5 to 40 mfp by using the G-P fitting technique. Er-1.0 sample has provided greater gamma-ray shielding than other samples, according to the results. Additionally, these findings highlight the potential of these glasses for radiation shielding in medical and industrial applications.