Gamma irradiation effects on the structural, thermal and optical properties of samarium doped lanthanum-lead- boro-tellurite glasses

Sm3+-doped Lanthanum Lead Boro Tellurite glasses are synthesized through Melt-quenching method and the effect of gamma irradiation on the properties of the glasses are evaluated before and after exposed to gamma radiation for 30 kGy. Samples exhibit colour change from pale yellow to dark red, indicates the creation of radiation induced defects. Glasses retain amorphous nature even after gamma irradiation. Significant mass loss and the thermal activation energy values are estimated, which shows increase in thermal stability is observed after gamma irradiation due to creation of non-bridging oxygens, results in the increase in the rigidity of the glasses. Optical studies reveal the decrease in the energy band gap after irradiation. Also, the luminescence studies show the emission property is unaltered and sustains the radiation effects up to 2 mol% Sm3+-in the host matrix, that is, sample shows radiation resistant behavior. In addition, glass samples exhibit single exponential behavior before irradiation while bi-exponential behavior after irradiation. The results show that the prepared glasses exhibit radiation resistant behavior for gamma irradiation up to 30 kGy, could be potential candidates for radiation resistant applications.