Extensive investigations of photon interaction properties for ZnxTe100-x alloys

An extensive investigation of photon interaction properties has been made for ZnxTe100-x alloys (where x = 5, 20, 30, 40, 50) to explore its possible use in sensing and shielding gamma radiations. The results show better and stable response of ZnTe alloys for various photon interaction properties over the wide energy range, with an additional benefit of ease in fabrication due to lower melting points of Zn and Te. Mass attenuation coefficient values show strong dependence on photon energy as well as composition. Effective atomic number has maximum value for Zn5Te95 and lowest for Zn50Te50 in the entire energy region. The alloy sample with maximum Z(eff) shows minimal value of N e and vice versa. Mean free path follows inverse trend as observed for mass attenuation coefficient. The exposure and energy absorption buildup factors depend upon photon energy, penetration thickness and composition (effective atomic number) of Zn(x)Te(100-x )alloys. It finds its application for sensing and shielding from highly energetic and highly penetrating photons at sites where radioactive materials were used and visibility of material is not a big constraint. Further, energy down conversion property of ZnTe alloys with subsequent emission in green band suggests its potential use in sensing gamma photons. (C) 2018 Korean Nuclear Society, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC.