Optical transmission, dielectric constants, and gamma shielding performance of Se95-xIn5Prx metallic alloys: Radiation protection applications

Abstract

Due to the high density of metals, metallic materials such as alloys have the potential to have high gamma-radiation-absorbing abilities. This would make them relevant in a radiation environment as either a shielding material or a radiation sensor. These would, however, depend on their gamma radiation responses. Research aimed at evaluating the gamma response parameters of different glassy alloys that have technical applications is scarce compared to the traditional characterization with respect to optical features, structural evolution, and mechanical strength. In this paper, the optical and radiation shielding abilities of Se95-xIn5Prx (x = 2, 4, and 6) glassy alloys were investigated using standard theoretical techniques. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the materials was computed using the XCOM software. Reflection loss values are 0.20218, 0.22634, and 0.22908 for SIPr1, SIPr2, and SIPr3, respectively, while the optical transmittance values are 0.66365, 0.63087, and 0.62723 in the same order. The metallization criterion declined when Pr increased in the alloy. The values of MAC ranged from 0.0317 cm²/g to 98.2099 cm²/g for SIPr1, 0.0319 cm²/g to 97.3798 cm²/g for SIPr2 and 0.0322 cm²/g to 96.5372 cm²/g for SIPr3. The Higher attenuation and absorption coefficients were found for Pr-rich alloys. Pr therefore increase the ability of the SIPr-alloy to attenuate and absorb photon energy. The optical parameters of the investigated alloys could be used to identify their optical applications. SIPr3 had comparatively higher shielding ability compared to some known shields and could thus be used for radiation control and protection purposes.