Optical, elastic, and neutron shielding studies of Nb2O5 varied Dy3+doped barium-borate glasses

A sequence of modifier oxide (Nb2O5) varied Dy3+ doped barium-borate glasses have been manufactured. Various structural and optical characterizations are done. Investigation of the local symmetry around the Dy3+ in the host medium is predicted through the bonding parameter analysis and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters determined by employing the least-squares fitting method. Various radiative properties for the emission transitions 4F9/2 -> 6H15/2, 4F9/2 -> 6H13/2, and 4F9/2 -> 6H11/2 of the Dy3+ are estimated. Further, the Y/B ratio intensity ratio values, CIE color coordinates, color purity, and color-correlated temperature of the prepared glasses were calculated using the luminescence spectra. Based on the spectroscopic quality factor and CIE coordinates, the prepared glasses expose their aptness for the laser media and white-light-emitting devices. Neutron shielding efficiency is evaluated by the computation of fast neutron effective removal cross-section and neutron scattering, absorption, and total macroscopic cross-sections. It was found that modification by Nb2O5 makes an enhancement mainly in fast neutron-shielding competence, but it also has some minor influence on thermal neutron absorption efficiency.

Automated summary

A series of Dy3+ doped barium-borate glasses with varying modifier oxide (Nb2O5) have been synthesized and characterized for their structural, optical, and neutron shielding properties. The glasses exhibit suitability for laser media and white-light-emitting devices based on spectroscopic quality and CIE coordinates analysis. The addition of Nb2O5 enhances fast neutron-shielding efficiency while also influencing thermal neutron absorption efficiency.