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 50B(2)O(3) + 1Tb(4)O(7) + (20-x)SiO2 + 19BaF(2) + 10Li(2)O + XAg2O: X = 0-5 mol% were prepared by the melt quenching process. Structure nature, density, gamma-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/cm(3) 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 (n(0)) increased from 2.32 (+/- 0.01) to 2.36 (+/- 0.01), while values of non-linear refractive index (n(2)) changed from 4.83 x 10(-11) (+/- 0.01) esu to 6.40 x 10(-11) (+/- 0.01) esu. Values of third-order optical susceptibility (chi((3))) values varied from 2.59 x 10(-12) (+/- 0.01) esu to 3.00 x 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 (HVLFCS) and relaxation length (lambda(FCS)). Results confirm that the suggested AgOX compositions can be used for several optical, gamma-ray and neutrons safety applications.