Elucidating the influences of Tantalum (V) oxide in Bi2O3-TeO2-ZnO ternary glasses: An experimental characterization study on optical and nuclear radiation transmission properties of high-density glasses

We report the optical and experimental gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties of tantalum pentoxide reinforced Bi2O3-TeO2-ZnO ternary glasses with a nominal composition of 10Bi2O3-70TeO2-(20-x)ZnO-xTa2O5 (where x = 0,2,4, and 6 mol%). Measurements of transmittance and absorbance spectra for all of the synthesized samples are performed with Analytik Jena Specord 210 plus device between the range of 190-1100 nm. Moreover, 133Ba and 241Am/Be sources are utilized for experimental gamma-ray and neutron attenuation studies of BTZT glasses. According to results, the absorption edge is consistently moved from 380 nm to 390 nm as a result of ZnO/Ta2O5 translocation. In addition to decrease in optical band gap values of glass series, the fact that doping the structure containing Ta2O5 is lead to an increase in Urbach energies. The obtained irregularity through an increasing Ta2O5 additive is also changed the overall nuclear radiation attenuation properties of the BTZT glasses. The gamma-ray attenuation properties are obviously enhanced within the energy range of 133Ba radioisotope. The attenuation properties against fast neutron emitted from 241Am/Be were significantly enhanced through increasing Ta2O5 contribution. It can be concluded that BTZT6 glass sample may be regarded as a beneficial glass composition for multifunctional applications. It can be also concluded that ZnO/Ta2O5 translocation in Bi2O3-TeO2-ZnO ternary glasses may be regarded as a monotonic tool where the neutron attenuation properties should be strengthened in addition to gamma attenuation properties.