Simulation-Based Radiation Shielding and Optical Properties of Thulium-Doped Bismuth Tellurite Glass

Abstract

Lead-based radiation shielding material is currently used in industry to shield against high-penetration radiation such as gamma rays. However, lead is harmful to humans, animals, and plants. This study proposed a new composition of transparent lead-free glass. Using the melt and quench technique, thulium-doped bismuth tellurite glass with composition (TeO₂)_1-x (Bi₂O₃)_x (Tm₂O₃)_0.02 where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mol % was fabricated. Significantly, the glasses with Bi₂O₃ concentration of 5 mol % and 10 mol% have a higher density than the commercial glass containing lead indicating the fabricated glasses would perform better as a radiation shielding material. Comparing the simulated-radiation shielding properties using software Phy-X and XCom, the glass with 10 mol% of Bi₂O₃ performs better as radiation shielding material than 5 mol% of Bi₂O₃. Meanwhile, glass with 5 mol% of Bi₂O₃ performs better than 10 mol% of Bi₂O₃ in terms of optical properties. Considering both radiation shielding and optical properties, the fabricated lead-free glass can be widely used in radiation shielding applications that require transparency.