Investigation of the gamma photon shielding in Se-Te-Ag chalcogenide glasses using the Phy-X/PSD software

Chalcogenide glasses are promising contenders for use in radiation shielding applications because of their remarkable radiation shielding properties, such as transparency and good thermal stability. In the current study, the shielding parameters for gamma rays and neutrons are estimated for different compositions of Se75-x-Te-25-Ag-x (0 <= x <= 10 mole %) chalcogenide glasses using the Phy-X/PSD online software. We referred to the investigated Se75-x-Te-25-Ag-x (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mole %) glasses by coded abbreviations as (STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5 and STA6 respectively). The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), effective atomic number (Z(eff)), effective electron density (N-eff), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), energy absorption buildup factor (EABF), and exposure buildup factor (EBF) in the photon energy range of 0.15-15 MeV. The specified energy range (0.015-15 MeV) corresponds to the energies emitted from radioactive sources such as (Am-241, Fe-55, Ba-133, Co-60, Cd-109, I-131, Eu-15(2), Na-22, and Cs-137) which may be used in medical, industrial, and nuclear facilities where workers may frequently be exposed to harmful radiations. In the current work, we investigate shielding materials to protect people from radiation-related harm. Furthermore, the fast neutron removal cross section (FNRCS) is estimated. The findings refer to increasing the Ag content results in an enhancement in the shielding characteristics for the glass under investigation. The lowest Z(eff) values (36.657-37.465) occur at a photon energy of 0.02 MeV; the Z(eff) values then increase to reach their maxima (43.259-44.347) at a photon energy of 0.06 MeV. The MFP, TVL, and HVL values decrease with increasing Ag content, especially in the intermediate and high photon energy ranges. The results show low HVL and MFP values compared with those obtained for traditional and commercial glasses, especially in the intermediate and high photon energy ranges. The Z(eff) values increase as the Ag content increases. The FNRCS values are in the range of 0.083-0.092 cm(-1) for the investigated glasses. The FNRCS values of these glasses are higher than those of some commercial glasses. The most performance sample for radiation shielding between the investigated glasses is STA6 corresponds to the higher concentration of Ag.