Multifunctional Gd³⁺- doped tellurite glass for photonic, radiation shielding, and dosimetric applications

Abstract A novel Gd³⁺-activated tellurite glass with the composition 65TeO₂–15MgO–9SrO–5ZnO–5Ta₂O₅–1Gd₂O₃ (TeMgSrTa³⁺) was developed through the conventional melt-quenching route to investigate its combined optical, luminescent, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, and radiation shielding characteristics within a single glass matrix. The novelty of this work lies in the incorporation of Ta₂O₅ and Gd³⁺ into the TeO₂–MgO–SrO–ZnO glass network, enabling the simultaneous realization of ultraviolet photoluminescence, favorable dosimetric response, and efficient photon and neutron attenuation, which has not been comprehensively reported for this glass composition. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a completely amorphous structure, while FTIR analysis identified TeO₄ and TeO₃ structural units responsible for network modification. UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed excellent optical transparency, and the characteristic absorption bands observed at 209, 247, and 347 nm were assigned to the 4f–5d transitions of Gd³⁺ ions. Under ultraviolet excitation, the glass exhibited a strong emission centered at 313 nm, originating from the ⁶P₇/₂→⁸S₇/₂ transition of Gd³⁺, with chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.1487 and y = 0.0468, demonstrating its suitability for ultraviolet photonic applications. Comprehensive gamma-ray shielding analysis showed close agreement between experimental and theoretical attenuation parameters, including the mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, and mean free path across a broad photon energy range. The measured fast neutron effective removal cross-section further confirmed the material’s capability for neutron shielding. Thermoluminescence investigations produced well-defined glow peaks with favorable kinetic parameters, indicating promising dosimetric performance. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis verified the valence state and local coordination environment of Gd³⁺ ions, providing insight into the ligand field surrounding the activator. The synergistic combination of structural stability, ultraviolet luminescence, radiation attenuation efficiency, and dosimetric response demonstrates that the proposed TeMgSrTa³⁺ glass is a promising multifunctional material for advanced photonic devices, radiation protection systems, and radiation sensing technologies.