Linear/non-linear optical properties, γ-ray and neutron shielding competence of borosilicate glasses reinforced with Ag₂O

Five samples (AgO0-AgO5) of borosilicate glass with nominal compositions of 50B₂O₃ + 1Tb₄O₇ + (20−x)SiO₂ + 19BaF₂ + 10Li₂O + XAg₂O: X = 0–5 mol% were prepared by the melt quenching process. Structure nature, density, γ-ray buildup factors (BUFs), and fast neutrons removal cross-section (FCS) of AgOX samples were investigated. XRD measurements confirmed the amorphous state of the investigated AgOX samples. The density (D_s) value enhanced from 2.61 to 2.92 g/cm³ as Ag₂O concentration increased from 0 to 5 mol%. The indirect optical energy gaps (E_g) declined from 3.33 (± 0.01) to 3.16 (± 0.01) eV. Linear refractive index (n₀) increased from 2.32 (± 0.01) to 2.36 (± 0.01), while values of non-linear refractive index (n₂) changed from 4.83 \(\times\) $\times$ 10^–11 (± 0.01) esu to 6.40 \(\times\) $\times$ 10^–11 (± 0.01) esu. Values of third-order optical susceptibility (χ⁽³⁾) values varied from 2.59 \(\times\) $\times$ 10^–12 (± 0.01) esu to 3.00 \(\times\) $\times$ 10^–12 (± 0.01) esu. BUFs values were highest at 40 mean free path (MFPs) and lowest at 1 MFPs. AgOX glasses possessed FCS with values 0.085, 0.084, 0.085, 0.087, and 0.089 cm⁻¹, respectively. AgO5 sample possessed the lowest values of half value layer (HVL_FCS) and relaxation length (λ_FCS). Results confirm that the suggested AgOX compositions can be used for several optical, γ-ray and neutrons safety applications.