Provoked Optical Bandgap Shifts and Sm3+ Luminescence Modulation in 60CO γ- rays irradiated Li₂O₃-PbO-GdF₃-SiO₂ Glass for Dosimetry and Space Technology Applications

In this manuscript, the rare earth element Samarium (Sm3+) doped Lithium Gadolinium Silicate glass with composition (of Li2O3-PbO-GdF3-SiO2-0.5Sm2O3) was synthesized with the help of melt-quenching method for the first time. The optical and photoluminescence spectra of Sm3+ doped silicate glass was studied before and after the irradiation from a (60CO γ- rays) radioisotope in the dose range of 0-10 Kilo Gray (KG). The UV-Visible, photoluminescence spectrometer, and Densitometer (for density measurement) were used to carry out the physical and chemical parameters. The optical band gap decreases (form 3.4-2.2 eV) with increases of dose radiation. The excitation spectra decrease with increase of gamma radiation dose because of color center or defect appear in the glass. The emission spectra of Samarium (Sm3+) ions in the dosage range of 0–10 KGy, after 100Gy treatments, the emission intensity decreased drastically and fell to roughly 25 % of its initial value corresponding to 0-Gray. The density parameters increase (from 3.15-3.45 gm/cm3) before and after gamma radiation. From the current study it is recommended that the current glass is more suitable for radiation shielding and space technology.