Electron paramagnetic resonance, optical, photoluminescence and radiation shielding studies of CuO-doped B2O3-Y2O3-SiO2-CaO glasses
摘要
This study investigates the structural, morphological, optical, and radiation shielding properties of CuO-doped CaO-Y₂O₃-SiO₂-B₂O₃ glasses using a range of analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the amorphous nature of the glasses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed a homogeneous distribution of CuO and a smooth microstructure. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) provided insights into glass transition temperatures, crystallization behavior, and thermal stability. Structural changes induced by CuO doping were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, showing modifications in silicate and borate networks due to CuO incorporation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) indicated the presence of Cu2⁺ ions mainly in octahedral coordination, influencing the electronic structure and defect states. Optical absorption measurements demonstrated a systematic decrease in band gap energy with increased CuO content, attributed to enhanced electronic transitions. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed strong emission behavior, supporting the potential of these glasses in optoelectronic and photonic applications. Radiation shielding capabilities were evaluated by calculating mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), half-value layers (HVL), mean free paths (MFP), and radiation protection efficiency (RPE). Results indicated improved gamma-ray attenuation with higher CuO content, positioning these materials as promising candidates for radiation protection in medical and nuclear environments. Overall, the study highlights the multifunctional characteristics of CuO-doped CaO-Y₂O₃-SiO₂-B₂O₃ glasses, demonstrating their potential use in advanced optical devices, photonic technologies, and radiation shielding applications.