Structural, optical, thermal, mechanical, morphological & radiation shielding parameters of Pr³⁺ doped ZAlFB glass systems

Authors have investigated a series of newly developed Pr³⁺ doped 10ZnF₂ – (5-y) Al₂ O₃–30LiF – 55B₂O₃ – yPr₆0₁₁ (y = 0–0.5 mol %) glasses synthesized through melt quench technique with an objective to analyse its optical, structural, thermal, morphological, mechanical and radiation shielding capabilities. The structural evolution was systematically investigated by density, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy dispersive analysis (EDAX). The overlaid absorbance (³H₄→¹D₂) and emission (¹D₂→³H₄) bands of 0.05 mol% of Pr³⁺-doped ZAlFB glass indicated the cross-relaxation channel for energy transfer between Rare-Earth (RE) ions. The ZAlFB:Pr³⁺ glasses excited at 445 nm exhibited intense reddish orange emission with ¹D₂→³H₄ transition at 605 nm. This proves its suitability in reddish orange LEDs. Luminescence quenching was observed past 0.05 mol% of Pr³⁺ concentration in ZAlFB glass. The ¹D₂→³H₄ transition exhibited maximum branching ratio (β_r = 0.8601) in Pr0.5 glass. All the Pr³⁺ doped glasses revealed strong thermal stability with ΔT > 100 °C. Pr0.5 glass sample showed maximum thermal strength and mechanical hardness (Vicker's Microhardness tester). Hence, compromise over the hardness or the optical properties of the samples were studied in the ZAlFB:Pr³⁺ glasses. Radiation shielding properties indicated 0.5 mol% Pr³⁺ doped sample as a superior gamma rays shielder among the investigated ZnF₂–Al₂O₃–LiF–B₂O₃–Pr₆O₁₁ glass system with favourable luminescent and radiation shielding properties, these Pr³⁺ doped ZAlFB glasses can be used as photonic/lasing devices in radiation zones as well.