Assessment of gamma-ray attenuation features for La+3 co-doped zinc borotellurite glasses

Abstract In this study, gamma ray and neutrons shielding features were evaluated for La+3 co-doped zinc borotellurite glasses with chemical formula {[(TeO2)0.70(B2O3)0.30]0.7(ZnO)0.30}1-x(La2O3)x: 0.01≤ x ≤ 0.05 mol%. Firstly, the mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC, LAC) for glasses were calculated via Photon Shielding and Dosimetry (PSD) software (Phy-X/PSD) in the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. Depending on MAC and LAC, effective shielding parameters: Half value layer and mean free path (HVL, MFP), effective electron density, atomic number, and conductivity (Neff, Zeff, Ceff), exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBF, EABF) have been evaluated. In addition, effective fast neutron removal cross section (FNRCS) for the studied glasses have been calculated. The obtained data were compared with those of some commercial glasses and concrete. Results reveal that HVL for all samples can be arranged in the order TBZL1>TBZL2>TBZL3>TBZL4>TBZL5. The HVL, TVL and MFP values of TBZL5 glass are 2.988 cm, 9.927 cm, and 4.311 cm, respectively. TBZL5 glass has the highest Ceff values and TBZL1 glass has the lowest Ceff values. EBF values change range from 1 to 4 at 1 MFP and from 1-1010 at 40 MFP value. Therefore, it can be among the alternative materials that can be preferred in radiation application areas.