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Novel series of fluorotellurite lithium niobate glasses with compositions TeO2–LiNbO3–BaO–BaF2–La2O3 coded as Pr3, Pr4, Pr5, Pr6, and Pr7 were fabricated using the traditional process of quenching the melt. The density of the fabricated glasses was varied from 5.1689 to 5.4088 g/cm3, while optical packing density (o.p.d) was taken values from 50.85 to 64.4 g atom l−1. The thermal features glasses were determined by using (DSC), while their optical properties were determined in ultraviolet–visible–near-IR (UV–Vis–NIR) spectral region. Results revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) has the lowest value for Pr6 glass sample otherwise the highest value in Pr3 sample. The thermal stability (ΔT) was equal to 133, 149,154,127, and 153 °C for Pr3, Pr4, Pr5. Pr6, and Pr7 glass samples, respectively. The optical energy gap (Eopt) varied from 2.81 to 3.12 eV, while the Sellmeier gap energy (ES) changed from 6.6 to 8.55 eV. Also, gamma-ray shielding competences of the fabricated glasses were evaluated in terms of their mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC, LAC), half-value layer (HVL), and mean free path (MFP). The obtained values showed that LAC was in the order of Pr7 > Pr6 > Pr3 > P4 > Pr5, while HVL arranged in the order of Pr7

The influence of adding PbF2 on the elastic properties and radiation shielding competences of nine different samples labelled as TPb10-TPb90 with the form of (100-X)TeO2-XPbF2: (where X = 10–90 in steps of 10 mol%) glasses and glass-ceramics was investigated via the bond compression model and WinXcom software. The average cross-link density ( n ‾ c ) increased from 2.2 to 3.8 and the average atomic ring size (l) decreases from 0.390 to 0.356 nm with the increase of Pb ions content in the TPb10-TPb90 samples. The KBC increased from 84.47 GPa to 111.09 GPa and Young's modulus (EBC) increased from 136.89 GPa to 199.60 GPa for TPb10 to TPb90 samples. Poisson's ratio (σBC) decreased from 0.229 to 0.200, while the hardness (H) increased from 10.02 GPa to 16.59 GPa. The MAC of the glasses follows the order throughout the energy spectrum: TPb10 Z e f f while TPb10 had the least. The buildup factors of TPb10 was highest at all depths while TPb90 had the least buildup factors. The obtained results showed that the addition of Pb to the proposed samples improves their mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Therefore, TPb90 sample has a better photon, fast neutron, proton, and alpha particle absorber compared to the other eight glass species in this study.

Gamma-photon, neutron, and proton shielding parameters of La3+ ions doped multicomponent phosphate glasses/glass-ceramics of composition 50P2O5–30Sb2O3–10CaO–5Al2O3–5TeO2+xLa2O3 (La0–La5): x = 0–5 in steps of 1 mol% have been evaluated. These parameters were evaluated utilizing the WinXcom and EXABCal computer codes. Results revealed that the maximum values of MAC were 25.72, 26.85, 27.39, 27.91, and 28.41 cm2/g for La0–La5, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum and minimum values of LAC were obtained at 15 keV and 10 MeV, respectively with values of 91.82 and 0.107 cm−1, 94.67 and 0.108 cm−1, 98.55 and 0.111 cm−1, 101.62 and 0.113 cm−1, 105.22 and 0.115 cm−1, 107.96 and 0.116 cm−1. Values of HVL and MFP were varied according to the order (La5)HVL Σ R for fast neutrons were 0.0911, 0.0989, 0.1078, 0.1157, 0.1242, and 0.1316 cm−1 for La0– La5, respectively. The maximum range of proton was obtained at the maximum kinetic energy (10 MeV) having the values: 0.574, 0.569, 0.559, 0.553, 0.544, and 0.540 mm for La0– La5, respectively. Therefore, the increase of La3+ doping in La0–La5 samples has a positive influence on their radiation shielding capability. It can be concluded that, La0–La5 samples can attenuate photons, neutrons, alpha particles, and protons and as such, they can be applied successfully in nuclear shielding applications.

Mechanical features and gamma-ray shielding competence of four ternary TeO2−based glass systems with the form of 80TeO2–10Li2O–10BaO (S1), 80TeO2–10Na2O–10BaO (S2), 80TeO2–10K2O–10BaO (S3), and 80TeO2–10Na2O–10ZnO (S4) were evaluated. The mechanical parameters were estimated via Makishima–Mackenzie's (M-M) model, while the gamma-ray shielding parameters were evaluated via the Monte Carlo method (Geant4) and the theoretical calculation (Phy-X/PSD). The results of these two methods were in good agreement. The results showed that the ionic packing density (Vt) was observed in the order of 0.504, 0.496, 0.495, and 0.499 (m3/mol) for S1, S2, S3, and S4 glasses, respectively. The total dissociation energy (Gt) varied from 54.94 × 106 (KJ/m3) for S1 glasses to 49.07 × 106 (KJ/m3) for S3 glasses. The maximum elastic properties (Km, Em, Gm, Lm), Poisson's ratio (σm), and hardness (H) were found for S1 glasses, while the minimum was found for S3 glasses. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the investigated S1–S4 glasses was in the order: (MAC)S1 > (MAC)S3 > (MAC)S2 > (MAC)S4. The LAC arranged according to the order of (LAC)S1 > (LAC)S2 > (LAC)S4 > (LAC)S3. It was found that S1 has the lowest HVL with values from 0.00312 cm (at 15 keV) to 3.428 cm at (15 MeV). Buildup factors for gamma exposure (EBF) and gamma absorption energy (EABF) were also evaluated and discussed in terms of their variation with energy and their variation with penetration depths. Finally, the neutron shielding properties of the investigated glass were estimated for each glass in terms of removal cross section for fast neutrons. The S1 glass was found to own shielding efficiency better than commercial glasses and ordinary concrete.

In this article, proton, neutron, and gamma-ray shielding competences of six glasses with PbO or PbO/Bi2O3 heavy metal oxides namely as Glass 1 to Glass 6 have been investigated via WinXcom and EXABCal computer codes. The maximum values of μ m were equal to 50.6, 53.06, 72.51, 80.67, 99.54, and 102.35 cm2 g-1 at 0.015 MeV for Glass 1 to Glass 6, respectively. The μ m of the glass's trend in ascending order for Glass 1 to Glass 6. Results of HVL and MFP of the glass's were trend in descending order for Glass 1 to Glass 6. The Z e f f of glasses varied from 14.49 (1.5 MeV) to 37.78 (0.1 MeV) and from 43.93 (2 MeV) to 65.62 (0.02 MeV) for Glass 1 and Glass 6, respectively. The f-factor of Glass 5 and Glass 6 was maximum for throughout the energy spectrum. The buildup factors are low and grow with the penetration depth rapidly up to the maximum depth of 40 mfp. The values of Σ R were varied from 0.0947 to 0.1155 cm−1 for Glass1 to Glass 6, respectively. Glass 2 and Glass 6 are preferred fast neutron shield when compared with ordinary concrete, water, and graphite. Generally, the molar concentration of PbO or PbO + Bi2O3 improved the shielding capacity of the investigated glasses.

In this research, elastic moduli, photon, neutron, proton, and alpha particle shielding parameters for tellurite bismo-vanadate (TeO2–V2O5–Bi2O3) were estimated and theoretically presented. Makishima–Mackenzie's (M-M) model and Phy-X/PSD software were used to achieve the required calculations. Young's modulus varied from 72.68 to 59.41 GPa while shear modulus varied from 28.75 to 23.66 GPa. Bulk modulus changed from 51.34 to 40.51 GPa, while Poisson's ratio changed from 0.264 to 0.255. The trend of the projected range for alpha and proton particles follows the order: (TVB00)Range > (TVB05)Range > (TVB10)Range > (TVB15)Range > (TVB20)Range > (TVB25)Range. The mass attenuation coefficient of the TVB glasses follows the order: (TVB00)μm Z e f f was achieved TVB00 glass and the highest for TVB25 glass. The f-factor of the TVB-glasses were almost equal due to similar number of electrons per unit mass. The variations in buildup factors with photon energy were identical for all glass materials and penetration depth (mfp). Results revealed that the inclusion and increase of Bi in the TVB-glass systems improves its radiation shielding capacity.

Effect of Er3+-doped ions on the mechanical, linear/nonlinear optical properties and radiation shielding features of $$\left[ {\left( {{\text{TeO}}_{{2}} } \right)_{{0.{7}}} \left( {{\text{ZnO}}} \right)_{{0.{3}}} } \right]_{{{1}00 - {\text{x}}}} \left( {{\text{Er}}_{{2}} {\text{O}}_{{3}} } \right)_{{\text{x}}}$$ at different molar fractions, x = 0 to 5 mol% (TZE-A to TZE-F) glasses were reported. Molar polarizability (αMol.) increased from 7.796 × 10−24 to 8.570 × 10−24 cm3, while the molar reflectivity (RMol.) increased from 19.647 to 21.598 (cm3mol−1) as the Er3+ ions content increased from 0 to 5 mol%. Metallization property (MCri.) varied from 0.235 to 0.192, while the transmission factor (TOpt.) decreased from 0.644 to 0.589. The dielectric constant (eSta.) varied from 7.503 to 9.404, the nonlinear refractive index n2Opt. varied from 1.680 × 10−10 to 4.187 × 10−10 esu. Gamma/beta shielding features of the chosen glasses (TZE-A, TZE-B, TZE-C, TZE-D, TZE-E and TZE-F) were investigated. Gamma radiation studies were achieved for photons up to 1.275 MeV, while the beta radiation studies were achieved for electrons up to 0.723 MeV. The gamma shielding investigation was performed using FLUKA and XCOM platforms. The beta shielding study was carried out via ESTAR program by estimating TSP for all the chosen glasses. From the view of practical application, it is found that the half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) values of the chosen glasses are evidently lower than those of ordinary concrete and Schott RS-253-G18 commercial radiation shielding glass, while they are higher than those of Schott RS-360 commercial radiation shielding glass at low energies.

Optical properties of amorphous Se65−xAs35Sbx thin films with different compositions (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 at%) deposited by evaporation technique have been investigated by measuring transmission (T) and reflection (R) in the wavelength range 400–2500 nm. An optical characterization method for uniform films based on Swanepoel’s method has been employed to extract the refractive index n and film thickness d, with high precision (better than 1%). The calculated thickness for all thin films was about 1 µm. In addition, the absorption coefficient was evaluated in the strong absorption region of T and R. The possible optical transition in these films is found to be allowed indirect transition with energy gap $$E_{g}^{\text{opt}}$$ decreases from 1.72 to 1.53 eV with increasing Sb content at expense of Se. The chemical bond approach has been applied to explain the decrease of the optical gap with increasing Sb content. The dispersion and oscillator energies were analyzed using the concept of the single oscillator by Wemple and Di-Domenico. The nonlinear refractive index was calculated and found to be increase with increasing Sb content.

Gamma radiation, neutrons, protons, and alphas particles shielding competences for gallium germanate-tellurite (GeO2.TeO2.Ga2O3) glasses doped with Pr6O11 were tested. The investigated glasses were named as GTGPr1, GTGPr2, GTGPr3, and GTGPr4. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) for the proposed glasses were calculated utilizing Phy-X/PSD program and simulated by MCNP5 simulation codes in the photon energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. With the help of MAC values, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff) were calculated. Moreover, the absorbed dose received from 137Cs with activity 10 μCi was calculated in presence of the studied glasses. Buildup factors (BUFs) include exposure buildup factor (EBF), and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) for all investigated glasses were also calculated. Results reflected that the GTGPr4 glass has the highest MAC, LAC values and lowest HVL among other selected germanate glasses. The values of Zeff were around 0.04 MeV varied between 43.07 and 48.19, while at 1.5 MeV were between 18.70 and 21.25. The GTGPr1 possesses the highest values of BUFs around the studied range of energy, while GTGPr4 glasses possesses the lowest values. Moreover, the fast neutron removal cross section was (ΣR = 0.02151 and 0.01942 cm2 g−1) for GTGPr1 and GTGPr4, respectively. The investigated glasses can be useful to construct superior radiation shielding materials to use in nuclear medicine applications.

Mechanical properties, alpha particles, gamma-ray, proton, and neutron interaction parameters of 40TeO2-(60-x)V2O5-xMoO3: 20 ≤ xMoO3 ≤ 60 mol% (TVM20-TVM60) semiconductor glasses have been investigated. Based on Makishima–Mackenzie's model, the total ionic packing density (Vt) and the total dissociation energy (Gt) for TVM-glasses have been computed. Elastic moduli, hardness, and Poisson's ratio haven been calculated. Utilizing WinXcom and EXABCal computer codes, mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), equivalent atomic number (Zeq), energy absorption and exposure built up factors (EABF and EBF), and fast neutron removal cross section ∑R have been computed. Results reflected that the (Vt) of the TVM-glasses varied from 0.597 to 0.610 (m3/mol), while the (Gt) increased from 63.36 × 106 to 63.48 × 106 (KJ/m3) for TVM20 to TVM60 glasses. The highest elastic features were found for TVM60 glass sample with highest value of MoO3 content. The elastic properties varied from 75.77 to 77.45 GPa for Young's modulus, from 54.67 to 56.70 GPa for bulk modulus, and from 0.267 to 0.272 for Poisson's ratio. The TVM60 glass sample possess the highest MAC, followed by TVM50, TVM40, TVM30, and TVM20, respectively. The maximum HVL was obtained at 8 MeV for all glass samples with values of 5.75, 5.30, 5.05, 4.71 and 4.31 cm for TVM 20, TVM30, TVM40, TVM50, and TVM60, respectively. The TVM60 has a better fast neutron shielding capacity compare to the other glasses. The relative difference between EABF and EBF of the glasses were in the order TVM20 > TVM30 > TVM40 > TVM50 > TVM60. We can say that TVM60 glass can attenuate more photons than TVM20-TVM50 glasses.

We present differential nonlinear absorption of an elliptically polarized femtosecond laser vortex beam carrying an angular momentum of $$\ell = - 1$$ in tellurite glass. Transmission measurements were utilized to measure the nonlinear absorption of the glasson a shot-by-shot basis, and to investigate the modification threshold for the beam. Additionally, the effect of pulse energy on the polarization ellipse was investigated. The results revealed a reduction in the ellipticity as the incident pulse energy was increased. Non-rotation of the ellipsoid indicated that there is no change in the third order nonlinear susceptibility ( $${{\chi }^{{(3)}}}$$ ) of the telluride glass upon irradiation by the femtosecond beam. The transmission of multiple pulses through the same spot revealed that although an effect was evident for the first ten pulses, the subsequent pulses had no effect. The transmission of a complete cycle of increasing and decreasing pulse energies revealed no hysteresis of the femtosecond laser vortex beam in tellurite glass in contrast to that reported for Gaussian beams in silica glass.

Different compositions of as-obtained As40S60-xSex thin films (x = 0 at.%, 20 at.%, 40 at.%, and 60 at.%) with fixed thicknesses were deposited by a thermal evaporation technique. Inheterogeneities of thin-film thickness is a problem that includes significant errors of optical calculations unless there is an optical model that prevents these errors, and the consequent gross errors, in the measurement of optical constants. If not taken into account, this may lead to rather large calculated values for the absorption coefficient or the incorrect presence of the absorption-band tail, as well as to significant errors in the calculated values of the refractive index and film thickness. The optical properties of As40S60-xSex thin films have been determined utilizing measurements of the optical transmission spectra. Owing to the shrinking of the transmission spectra in both the medium and strong absorption regions, we have resorted to applying the optical wedge model for the determination of the film thickness with high precision that equals approximately 725 nm. This paper therefore presents formulae for the transmittance spectrum of a thin dielectric film of selected thickness covering a thick, non-absorbing substrate as well as its upper and lower envelopes. The effect of the content variation on the interference fringes of the transmittance spectrum is analyzed in detail. The electrical properties of the As40S60-xSex thin films have been studied in terms of measuring the temperature-dependent AC conductivity. Both the dielectric constants and dielectric modulus were investigated and are discussed for applications in optoelectronic devices. The change in electrical properties of As40S60-xSex thin films has been interpreted in terms of changed morphological and structural properties. The ratios of the elements were analyzed by comparing them with the actual weight ratios of the bulk material using EDX technology, in addition to the assessment of the Amorphic structure and composition characteristics of the films examined by the x-ray and scanning electron microscopy.

Glass samples with the compositions xFe2O3-35SiO2-35B2O3-10Al2O3-(20 − x) Na2O (0 ≤ x ≤ 1 mol.%) were designed and assembled by melting quenching technique. These samples were investigated by XRD, optical, mechanical, thermal, and FT-IR spectroscopy studies. FT-IR spectra reveal that these glasses are built up of BO3, BO4, and octahedral [FeO6]. The present glasses exhibited the increase in density, thermal parameter values, ultrasonic velocities, elastic moduli, optical band gap (Eopt), and refractive index of the prepared glasses. The corresponding glass-ceramic of these glasses was prepared by controlling heat treatment and investigated with XRD, mechanical, SEM, and TEM. The present glass-ceramics exhibited the increase in density, ultrasonic velocities, and elastic moduli; these values are larger than those of the parent glasses. XRD exhibited the crystalline phases of selected glass-ceramics samples. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) exhibited the grain size of glass-ceramics in nano-size and range between 63.9 and 165 nm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) exhibited backscattered electron images of the produced glass-ceramics. It is observed that crystalline texture contains relatively large interstitial pores, demonstrating the residual glassy matrix.

The authors reported the data found by FT-IR spectroscopy, ultrasonic velocities, DTA investigations of 5Al2O3 – 25Li2O – (70 − x) P2O5 – x TiO2, (0 ≤ x ≤ 25 mol%) of the prepared glass samples. From FT-IR spectroscopy has been indicated the titanate doped phosphate glasses increase the produce of non-bridging oxygens. By ultrasonic velocities has been indicated that these velocities are decreased as well as elastic-moduli and density by the concentration of titanate. This behaviour due to decreasing the density, cross-link density, and increase in molar volume. By DTA the values of (Tg), (Tc) and (Tp) decrease this is due to a decrease the bond strength. A parent glass–ceramics of these glasses have been prepared, and investigate by XRD and SEM. The parent glass–ceramic of these glasses have been prepared and investigate by XRD. Li2P2O6 (lithium orthophosphate) crystalline phase is showed in glasses-free titanate and transformed into LiPO3 in glasses containing titanate. The surface morphology of glass–ceramic has been checked by scanning electron microscope and showed a nearly unchanging surface in glasses-free titanate and large interstitial pores in glasses containing titanate.

Oxy-Fluoro Boro Tellurite glasses with formula (85-x) TeO2-xB2O3-5Bi2O3-5BaO-5LiF, where x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mol% were prepared by melt-quenching method. All the prepared glasses were extensively studied by several apparatus such as, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC). The optical energy gap and refractive index of the prepared glasses were estimated by UV-Vis spectra. Moreover, the thermal stability, transition activation energy, crystallization activation energy and Avrami parameter of prepared glasses were determined. The optical and thermal properties of the prepared glasses were found to be attributed to the concentrations of phase TeO4 and BO4 units in the glass network. From these results, Oxy-Fluoro Boro Tellurite glass could be used in the optical application such as fiber laser with doping rare earth.

Luminescent phosphate glasses having the composition 40P2O5-30ZnO-20BaF2-3.8K2TeO3-1.2Al2O3-5Nb2O5 in mol.% doped with 3 × 103 ppm and 4 × 103 ppm Sm2O3 were successfully prepared by a melt-quenching technique. The investigated glasses were characterized by x-ray diffraction, UV–visible–NIR, absorption, emission, and fluorescence lifetime analysis. The radiative properties were calculated using Judd–Ofelt (J–O) spectral intensity parameters for each of the glasses, which revealed the following trend: Ω2 > Ω4 > Ω6. The J–O intensity parameters were used to evaluate the spontaneous emission properties including branching ratios, transition probabilities, and radiative lifetime. The value of the optical energy band gap was found to decrease with an increase in Sm3+ content, which is explained on the basis of structural changes. The calculated stimulated emission cross-section $$ \sigma_{\rm{SE}} , $$ at 1.62 μm of glasses studied was high, and increased from 3.81 × 10−21 cm2 to 4.38 × 10−21 cm2 with increasing Sm3+ ion concentration. The structure of the glasses was investigated by computing $$ {\hbox{Internuclear }}\,\left( {r_{\rm{i}} } \right) $$ , Polaron radius $$ \left( {r_{\rm{p}} } \right) $$ and field strength $$ \left( F \right) $$ and measurement of Raman spectra.

The differential thermal analysis technique is used in testing the crystallization kinetics of Pb12Ge12Se76 glass at different heating rates (2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 K/min). The glass is the...

Titanium-doped and titanium-free lithium borate glasses were prepared using a quenching method and high-purity-grade chemical substances. Structural analysis was carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and mechanical measurement. The states of the produced glasses were examined by x-ray diffraction, and the density (ρ) and molar volume (Vm) were determined. The Makishima–Mackenzie model was applied for the prepared glasses. FT-IR confirmed that the concentration of [BO4] was greater than that of [BO3] structural units. These variations confirmed that the compactness of the lithium borate network increased as the concentration of (TiO2/B2O3) increased. The longitudinal (vL) and shear (vT) velocities of the samples with varying concentrations of (TiO2/B2O3) were found to increase, along with the elastic moduli. The thermal stability, energy gap, and refractive index of the prepared glasses increased as the concentration of (TiO2/B2O3) was increased.

Background: Similar to all professions, there are positive and negative aspects to consider regarding a career in nursing. Although the profession is challenging, it also provides opportunities for unique intrinsic rewards that make the career worth the effort. Aim: to measure the attitudes of Faculty of Nursing students toward nursing profession and its’ relation to study adjustment. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive correlation study was used. Setting: The present study was conducted at four Faculties of Nursing, four universities (Assiut, Sohag, South Valley, and Aswan). Subjects: A convenience sample of 1252 students at the academic year (2017-2018) was recruited. Tools: one tool used which included personal characteristics, "Study adjustment scale" and Student attitudes towards nursing profession scale. Results: the study revealed that(92.9%) of the studied students had positive attitudes towards nursing profession and (70.2%) of them had a high level of study adjustment, also there is a statistically significant correlation between all dimensions of the study adjustment scale and all dimensions of the attitude scale. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between attitude toward and study adjustment among nursing students. Recommendations: The study recommends

Thin films of tellurite glasses are prepared using thermal evaporation method from the two bulk systems of glass 75TeO2-5 WO3-15Nb2O5–5NiO (TWNN5) and 78TeO2-5WO3-15Nb2O5-2NiO (TWNN2). The effect of annealing in temperature ranging from 200 to 400 °C on the optical and structural properties of the glassy systems in the form of thin films have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–Vis-NIR Spectrometry techniques. The XRD pattern showed that at 400 °C, the annealed TWNN5 film were polycrystalline with four phases while the sample TWNN2 has only one crystalline phase (orthorhombic γ-TeO2). The SEM and AFM images show the presence of different particle size of nanocrystals at 400 °C which confirmed via XRD pattern for annealed films. The EDX spectrum confirms the presence of Te, W, Nb, Ni and O elements in the prepared films. The transmittance, absorbance and reflectance of as-prepared and annealed thin films were measured spectrophotometry and from which optical, dielectric and dispersion energy parameters have been extracted. The direct energy band gap Eg of the film sample TWNN2 is increased from 2.92 to 3.92 eV with the annealing temperature. While Eg decreases from 2.92 to 2.21 eV with increasing NiO content from 2% to 5%. Tuning of structural and optical properties for TWNN thin films open the avenue towards to be a potential for optoelectronic applications.

Excitation cross sections by electron impact of tungsten ions, W39+, have been calculated using R-matrix method for a configuration state list consists of [Ar]3d104s24p5, [Ar]3d104s24p44l, (l = d, f), and [Ar]3d104s24p45l′, l′ = s, p. A set of configuration state functions (CSFs) with 2-electron excitations up to 5l orbitals have been included within the MCDF-calculations of the used radial integrals of collisional excitations. R-matrix calculations of collision strength and cross section have been executed for the intercombination transitions between 4p5, 4p44d, and 4p44f at different angular momenta using DARC code. Resonance cross section have been observed at low energy of incident electron in the range of ∼5=-40 Ryd, however, the strong lines limited between 5 and 25 Ryd. The relativistic distorted-wave (DW) approximation, Coulomb–Born-Exchange (CBE) approximation, and the Binary-Encounter-Dipole (BED) theory have been used to calculate the electron impact ionization (EII) of the present ion. The accuracies of the present results are estimated by comparing R-matrix calculations with the available literature.

The present work investigates the structural parameters of As40S45Se15 glassy alloy and optical properties of its thin films. As40S45Se15 thin films with different thickness (d = 120, 350, 500, 700, 850 and 1000 nm) have been deposited on glass substrates. The association of optical properties with changes in thickness of As40S45Se15 thin films was investigated in the spectral range of transmittance between 400 and 2500 nm. The thin films thickness was calculated using Swanepoel method. The optical constants, dielectric constants, dispersion parameters were computed. The analyses of the absorption spectra of As40S45Se15 thin films indicate the existence of an indirect optical transition mechanism. With increasing the films thickness, the absorption coefficient and optical bandgap were decreased, while Urbach energy, the values of refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (kex) were increased. The dispersion of the refractive index is described using the Wimple–DiDomenico (WDD) single oscillator model and the dispersion parameters were computed as a function of thickness films. The optical constants, optical dielectric constants, optical conductivity, electrical susceptibility, and non-linear refractive index were investigated and discussed.

Incorporated titanium oxide to bioglasses with novel composition as: 40P2O5- 20Na2O- 10Ca(OH)2- 20CaCl2–8.0ZnO- 1.0TiO2 (labeled BGTi) was tested for its antimicrobial activity, anti-proliferative/cytotoxicity against normal and activated splenic cells in vitro, anticancer activity, in vivo immunologic and hypersensitivity responses, in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity effects and in vitro effects of activated splenic cells on BGTi. These results showed that BGTi had antimicrobial activities against Gram negative and positive bacteria as well as fungi. The prepared bioglasses BGTi had no cytotoxic or proliferative effects on activated splenic cells while showed anti-proliferative/cytotoxicity against normal splenic cells. It was cytotoxic to HepG2 cells. In vivo test demonstrated that BGTi is an inert material which did not stimulate the immune system or caused local reactions. The products of activated splenic cells did not cause any changes in the structure of BGTi also it did not cause any acute cytotoxicity or lysis to RBCs. TiO2 is an inert material which did not cause immune stimulation or hepatic cytotoxicity. BGTi did not affect by lytic products of immune cells hence, it can be considered as a safe and ideal material for implantation inside the body of living organisms. Finally we investigated the structure of the bioglasses BGTi by using Raman spectra.

A systematic characterization of optical and chemical properties of fluorotellurite glasses based on 70TeO2-5 M x O y -10P2O5-10ZnO-5PbF2 glasses as function of alkaline earth metals as network modifiers were studied and analysed. The Z-scan results show that all the compounds have NLO properties such as nonlinear refractive index ( n 2 ) and two photon absorption ( β ). Finally, using ( n 2 ) and ( β ) we also determined the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ 〈 3 〉 . It was found that the alkaline earth metals elements, have an influence on such NLO properties. Based on the ability of the lattice modifiers to decrease the band-gap energy while simultaneously increasing the linear refractive index of the TeO2-based glass, we investigated how these modifiers affect the non-linear refractive index.

Mechanical properties, uncharged and charged particles shielding capacity of 60Bi2O3-(40-x) B2O3-xSiO2: x = 0 (S1), 10 (S2), 20 (S3), 30 (S4), and 40 (S5) mol% glasses have been investigated. The enhancement in Young’s, shear, and longitudinal elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratio of the denser Bi content of the S-glasses was confirmed via bond compression (B–C) and Makishima–Mackenzie (M–M) models. The trend order of the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) is consistent with that of the mass density as (S1)MAC (S2)MFP > (S3)MFP > (S4)MFP > (S5)MFP. The maximum tenth value thickness (TVT) of the glasses was recorded at 4 MeV with values of 3.93, 3.79, 3.70, 3.67, and 3.60 cm for S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, respectively. The trend of the effective atomic number (Zeff) directly follows the MAC. Both exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBUF and EABUF) were increased with photon energy and depth of penetration except at Bi absorption edges where spikes were seen. Comparing the effective linear attenuation coefficient (ELAC) of the glasses, it is affirmed that S5 has the greatest photon absorption coefficient for all the considered energy and depth. Therefore, the S-glasses are better photon absorber and will perform better in gamma radiation shielding in nuclear facilities compared to commercially available glass shields (RS360 and RS520) and a recently investigated glass matrix (TVM60). In addition, the glass system can thus be used for fast neutron absorber rather than ordinary concrete or water.

In this work, five Ni-based alloys with different Cr, Fe, Cu, W, and Re metals mixtures have been prepared and coded as S0, S3, S4, S6, and S9. The crystal structure of the synthesized alloys was analyzed via X-ray Diffraction. The ability of using the prepared alloys for gamma-ray shielding applications has been evaluated via MCNP-5 Monte Carlo simulation code and Xcom theoretical program. All effective shielding factors; mass and linear attenuation coefficient, half-value thickness, and mean free path have been calculated. Mass attenuation coefficient values were ranged from 77.03 to 68.7 cm2/g for S9 and S0 alloys at 0.015 and 15 MeV, respectively. MAC values of the alloys follow the trend that (MAC)S9 > (MAC)S6 > (MAC)S4> (MAC)S3> (MAC)S0 . Additionally, effective atomic number, exposure and energy absorption buildup factors have also been investigated. It is found that the sample posses high values of W + Re ratios possess highest effective atomic number. Furthermore the buildup factors have been changed according to the change in equivalent atomic number. The prepared alloys can be considered useful candidates in radiation shielding applications to reduce workers' exposure in the nuclear reactor area and medical centers., Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University (KKU), The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University (KKU) for funding this research project Number (R.G.P2./102/41).

Photon and neutron shielding factors and elastic moduli of phosphate glass doped with Tm3+ ions (abbreviated as PPKANT glasses) have been analyzed. MCNP-5 simulation code, and Phy-X/PSD software have been utilized to estimate the gamma rays and neutron shielding capacity. Furthermore, Makishima and Mackenzie’s theory has been performed to calculate elastic moduli. Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus have been varied from 40.71 to 43.62 GPa, 28.01 to 30.65 GPa, and 16.18 to 17.27 GPa, respectively. Poisson’s ratio changed from 0.257 for PPKANT0.1 glass to 0.263 for PPKANT4 glass. At low gamma photon energy (0.015 meV), the LAC increased with the increase of Tm3+ content (LAC = 155.54 and 170.18 cm−1 for glass samples PPKANT0.1 and PPKANT4, respectively). At high energy (15 MeV), the LAC changed from 0.118 to 0.124 cm−1 for PPKANT0.1 to PPKANT4. The highest values of the HVL decreased from 5.734 to 5.570 cm. The trend of MFP was like the HVL trend. At 15 MeV, the values of the EBF and EABF were rapidly increased with the increase in the penetration depth (PD), especially for PD > 20 mfp. The lowest ∑R was achieved for glasses PPKANT4 with 4 mol % Tm2O3, where ∑R = 0.02561 cm2g−1. The investigated PPKANT glasses can be considered good neutron and photon shields compared to some traditional radiation shielding materials.

Ternary glass system with the composition of 50Na2O–(50–x) SiO2–x ZrO2, (0 ≤ x ≤ 20 mol %) has been prepared by melt quenching method. The structure changes of these glasses are studied by FT-IR spectra. The mechanical properties have been related to the results of FT-IR spectra. X-ray diffractograms showing the amorphous nature of these glasses. The mechanical properties of these glasses are studied and their elastic-moduli have been estimated. It was noted that the elastic-moduli, density and some physical properties of these samples are increased. Optical feature spectra are recorded at room temperature. The dispersion parameters as refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) are determined in the wavelength range of 300–2500 nm. Energy band gap and Urbach energy with indirect allowed transitions are estimated using Tauc model. The dielectric constant in term of real and imaginary parts are investigated. Other physical parameters like skin depth, cut-off wavelength, dissipation factor, optical and electrical conductivities are calculated as well.

Amassed borophosphate lithium molybdate samples were synthesized by the melting classical technique. To check the conditions of these synthesized glasses, the X-ray diffractometer technique was applied. The density value of these samples was increased as well as the molar volume decreased. The mechanical characteristics were linked with Fourier-transform infrared spectrum results. The addition of MoO3 increases the polymerization degree and changes the basic boring units from BO3 to BO4, increases the polymerization degree of phosphate network and changes the negative non-bridging oxygen to positive charges. Ultrasonic velocities and elastic modulus (experimental and theoretical) are increased. This behaviour is correlated to the substitution of Li–O with Mo–O linkages. Mass attenuation coefficient of the prepared samples decreased with the energy increase and with the addition of MoO3. With the increase in photon energy and MoO3 half value layer, the tenth value layer and the mean free path values increase. Hence, the increase of MoO3 leads to a better attenuation of gamma radiation. Therefore, the glass under investigation had superior characteristics for radiation protection applications.

In this paper an attempt was made to investigate the compositional, microstructural, thermal and optical properties of 40P2O5- 30ZnO- 20BaF2- 3.8K2TeO3- 1.2Al2O3- 5Nb2O5- 30,000 ppm Er2O3 (PZBKTANEr) novel glasses fabricated by the melt quench technique. The amorphous nature of the glasses was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. We estimated the glass transition temperature and thermal stability against the crystallization of present glasses by using differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results of the differential thermal analysis (DTA) indicate that (PZBKTANEr) glasses have a high thermal stability and low tendency to crystallization.The optical absorption edge has been evaluated within the Urbach approach by using UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the Judd– Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6 the oscillator strength type transition probabilities, spectroscopic quality factors, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes of several excited states of Er3+ have been evaluated. The classical Mc Cumber theory was used to evaluate the emission cross-sections for the 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 transition at a wavelength of around 1.54 μm. Gain cross-section for the Er3+ laser transition 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 was obtained. The effective emission cross section bandwidth FWHM (75.924 nm) and height stimulated emission cross-section (5.5 × 10−21 cm−2) of present glasses were reported. Hence the thermal and spectroscopic properties indicate that this glass doped with Er3+ can be used for application of the optical device. Furthermore the structure of this glass was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy.

Atomic structure data, electron impact excitations and ionization cross sections of tungsten ions, W 44 + , have been calculated using the multi-configuration Dirac–Fock and R-matrix methods for a set of configurations consists of 3d104s2, 3d104s4l, and 3d104p4l. A set of configuration state functions (CSFs) with doubly excitations up to 5l orbitals have been included within the calculations of energy levels and transition probabilities. As well as, 4-electron excitation to 4l-levels and 3-electron to 5l-levels have been involved in the computation process. R-matrix calculations of collision strength and cross section have been executed for the intercombination transitions between 3d104s2, 3d104s4p, 3d104s4d, and 3d104s4f at different angular momenta using DARC code. Resonance collision strengths have been observed at low energy of incident electron in the range of ∼ 6 – 40 Ryd, however, the strong lines are limited to 6–25 Ryd. For cross section of various transitions, resonances arising from these transitions are observed at low-electron energies in the range of 6–25 Ryd. To estimate the accuracies of calculated energy levels and transition probabilities, comparisons between experimental observations and theoretical calculations are presented. The convergence between different methods for collision strengths and cross sections are observed. Different calculations of electron impact ionization cross section of the present ion in the collision energy range of 100–1000 Ryd are evaluated.

A series of Zn1−xCoxSe (x = 0, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100) films using were evaporated (thickness of 1 μm) using electron beam gun. The effect of Co doping on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties has been investigated. X‐ray diffraction studies confirm formation of zinc blend structure for all Zn1−xCoxSe films. The crystallite size increases and the lattice strain decreases with the increase in Co content. The elemental constituents were characterized by energy dispersive X‐ray. Optical studies showed an increase in refractive index and a decrease in energy gap with the increase in the cobalt doping. The dispersion of the refractive index has been analyzed in terms of the Wemple‐DiDomenico single oscillator model. The oscillator parameters including the single oscillator energy (Eo), the dispersion energy (Ed), and the static refractive index (n0) were estimated. Magnetization measurements via vibrating sample magnetometer showed a hysteresis loop and confirmed room‐temperature ferromagnetism in Co‐doped ZnSe films.

The effect of thermal annealing temperature on both structural and optical properties of amorphous As47.5Se47.5Ag5 thin films was studied. The XRD studies showed that the crystallinity of the studied films is improved by increasing the annealing temperature. Furthermore, the crystallite size increase whereas dislocation density and strain decrease with increasing the annealing temperature. The optical constants of the as-prepared and annealed As47.5Se47.5Ag5 thin films were calculated using the envelope method. The optical absorption data of these films was successfully described by Tauc's relation. The optical absorption mechanism was found to follow the allowed direct and indirect transitions. In addition, it was found that the optical band gap decreases while band width Ee increases as the annealing temperature increases. The data of the refractive index n was analyzed and discussed in terms of the single oscillator model proposed by Wemple-DiDomenico. Besides that, the non-linear optical parameters χ(1), χ(3) and n2 were determined as a function of the annealing temperature.

Fluoroquaternary glasses within system 70TeO2-10ZnO-10NaF-(10 − x)MoO2-xEr2O3 doped with different concentration of xEr2O3 ions were prepared by using melt- quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the glasses confirmed by using X-ray diffraction. Physical parameters viz.: density (ρ), molar volumes (Vm), refractive index (n), an optical energy gap (Eg) and Urbach energy (ΔE) values of prepared glasses were evaluated. Moreover, the Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4, Ω6, the oscillator strength type transition probabilities, Smeas, Scal, spectroscopic quality factors, X, branching ratio, βR and radiative lifetimes, τR, of several excited states of Er3+ have been computed. The gain cross-section of laser transition level from 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 and stimulated emission cross-section estimated with different concentration of Er2O3 ions in all present glasses. Here the spectroscopic properties indicate that these glasses doped with Er3+ are a promising candidate for optical applications.

The materials under investigation were the tellurite glasses. Basic glasses and glasses doped with erbium Er3+ ions were examined. The positron lifetime measurement method PALS (Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy) and the Raman spectroscopy were applied in order to analyse their structural properties. The proposed PALS method allows to identify structural defects in amorphous materials (glasses, ceramics and polymers) that are difficult to detect with the use of other traditional measuring methods. The conducted studies revealed two positron lifetime components τ1 and τ2. On the basis of the two-state model, positron capture parameters were calculated, which allowed to draw conclusions concerning the nature and degree of defects of the examined tellurite glasses. Application of the Raman spectroscopy resulted in assessment of the effect of Er3+ on the structure of the examined material.

In the present study, polycrystalline materials of ZnSe1-xSx (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. Thin films of ZnSe1-xSx of about 1 μm have been produced using evaporation method. The importance of ZnSe1-xSx compound is the tunability of band gap when incorporating S into the ZnSe. Adding S at the expense of Se in ZnSe to form Zn-Se-S, which has a wider energy gap window layer to permit more light to reach the junction of solar cell. Both of optical constants (n, k) and film thickness have been determined precisely in terms of envelop method. Optical absorption spectra showed that band gap values increase with increasing S content. The electrical conductivity of ZnSe1-xSx was studied and exhibit two type of variation versus temperature. The activation energy of linear portion of the low temperature range is lower than the activation energy of linear portion of high temperature range and it increases with increasing the sulfur content in all films in both temperature ranges.

Novel two phosphate glass systems with compositions 50P2O5–30ZnO–20NiO and 50P2O5–30ZnO–20[NiCl2–6H2O] were prepared using a conventional melt-quench technique. The absorbance and transmittance wer...

Tellurite glass with composition 90TeO2-10Nb2O5-10ZnO in mol% codoped with x(Tm2O3/Dy2O3), where x = 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 ppm were prepared by quenching melting technique. The optical density and photoluminescence properties of this glass were studied. Spectroscopic parameters such as the absorption cross section, σab(λ), emission cross section, σem(λ), effective band width, (Δλ), internal gain coefficient, gR(λ), and the chromaticity coordinates CIE of the emitted light for this glass were computed. The, ( σ e m ) , (Δλ), and σg(λ) parameters increase from 5.95 × 10−21 to 8.86 × 10−21 cm2, from 123 to 127 nm and from 4.2 to 6.3 dB/cm, respectively when increasing Tm3+/Dy3+ ions from 10,000 to 30,000 ppm in the host glass matrix. Compared the luminescence intensity and spectroscopic parameters in these glasses are greatly enhanced. From CIE results indicate that the emission color varied from blue to white can be achieved by tuning Tm3+/Dy3+ ratio under excitation at 466 nm. The present glasses are found to be a suitable candidate for solid state laser material.

The glasses with composition 50P2O5-30ZnO-20SrO (PZS) in mol% doped with 30,000 ppm Er2O3 and 50P2O5-30ZnO-20CdO (PZC) in mol% doped with 30,000 ppm Er2O3 were prepared by quenching -melting method. Spectroscopic and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters, Ωt, of these glasses were evaluated. Moreover, different radiative properties and optical energy gap of prepared glass were calculated. The emission spectra of the PZC-30000Er and PZS-30000Er glasses excited at 490 nm show an important emission band at 550 nm and the emission cross-section σ e ( λ ) for the resonant transition at 1530 nm is equal 0.47 × 10 20 c m 2 for PZC glass and 0.39 × 10 20 c m 2 for PZS glass. Optical gain coefficient, G(λ), of the prepared glass were calculated and it is obtained that PZC glass lasing would be achieved at 1550 nm for a population inversion about 40% and at 1510 nm in the case of PZS glass. The structure of prepared glass investigated by using Raman spectra, has shown that SrO creates more bridging oxygen in the linkage of P2O5- ZnO glass network compared with CdO in the same glass matrix. In conclusion, these glasses can be used to generate green light and they can be useful for laser applications in the NIR region.

Visible-light photodetectors are in great demand in current scenario for advanced optoelectronic devices. Hence, in current work we have fabricated the photodetectors based on Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) thin films with different contents of Yttrium (Y) doping. Hexagonal phase confirmation of the fabricated films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and FT-Raman spectroscopy analyses. The crystallite size of grown films was determined and found within the range of 33 nm. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to analyse the surface morphology of the films and reveals nanograins formation on the surface. Optical absorption/transmission/reflectance spectra were recorded up to near-infrared region and optical energy gap was estimated including several other optical parameters. PL spectra were recorded and an intense emission was observed at 542 ± 12 nm when excited at 350 and 450 nm both. The electrical characteristics were explored under dark and light conditions. The highest photoelectrical resistivity and sensitivity were observed for 5.0 wt.% which are around ∼9.45 × 107 Ω−1 and 55.07 % at 0.5 mW/cm2. However, the highest responsivity, external quantum efficiency and detectivity was observed for 3.0 wt.% and noticed around 0.83 A/W, 193.82 % and 4.28 × 1011 Jones, respectively. Outcomes reveal that the Y doping enhances the CdS photodetection nature.

Herein, thin films of PbI2 with different Ni-doping concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.5 wt%) have been fabricated using spin coating method. The fabricated films possess a hexagonal crystalline structure and growth along the (001) plane, as-confirmed by XRD analysis. EDS elemental-mapping confirmed the uniform doping of Ni throughout the PbI2 films. SEM images reveal the formation of nanoparticles/sheets with sizes of ⁓100 nm in the fabricated films. An optical absorption study reveal the change in absorption edge of PbI2 observed upon Ni doping. The fabricated films are highly transparent (i.e. 80–86%) in the visible to near-infra red region. The energy gap of PbI2 was determined to be 2.34 eV, which increased to 2.45 eV for the 5 wt% Ni@PbI2 film. The fabricated films show photoluminescence quenching when doped with Ni. The refractive index values were determine to be between 1.73 to 3.37 in the whole region studied. Furthermore, the dielectric-electrical-non-linear optical parameters were also determined. The χ ( 1 ) , χ ( 3 ) and n ( 1 ) values were estimated to be in range of 0.16–0.83, 1.1 × 10−13 to 7.8 × 10−11 esu and 2.3 × 10−12 to 8.7 × 10−10 esu, respectively. It was noticed that these parameters were enhanced upon Ni doping up to 5.0 wt%. The enhanced opto-non-linear properties of PbI2 by Ni doping makes it a suitable candidate for optoelectronic applications.

We have investigated the optical and spectroscopic properties of new Er 3+ -doped fluorotellurite glasses with the basic molar composition 75%TeO 2 -10%P 2 O 5 -10%ZnO-5%PbF 2 , modified by replacing 5%TeO 2 by four various metal oxides, namely MgO, PbO, SrO and CdO. The ellipsometric data have provided a Sellmeier-type dispersion relation of the refractive index of the investigated glasses. The optical absorption edge has been described within the Urbach approach, while the absorption and fluorescence spectra have been analyzed in terms of the standard Judd–Ofelt theory along with the photoluminescence decay of the 4 I 13/2 and 4 S 3/2 levels of the Er 3+ ion. The absorption and emission spectra of the 4 I 15/2 ↔ 4 I 13/2 infrared transition have been analyzed within the McCumber theory to yield the peak emission cross-section and figure of merit (FOM) for the amplifier gain. It appears that the glass containing MgO as a modifier is characterized by the largest FOM suggesting that the fluorotellurite matrix with this oxide can be a good novel host for Er 3+ ion doping. Finally, we propose a new simple method to calculate the mean transition energy of the McCumber approach as the arithmetic average of the barycenter wavenumbers of absorption and emission spectra.

The luminescent oxide glasses with composition 50P2O5- 30ZnO- 20CdO (PZCdO pure) and 50P2O5- 30ZnO- 20CdO- 30000 ppm Tm2O3 (PZCdO:Tm) were synthesized by using melt- quenching technique. The optical energy gap and Urbach energy of these glasses were calculated by using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. Judd– Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6, branching ratio, βR, and radiative lifetimes, τR, of Tm3+ ions doped PZCdO glasses were estimated. The spectroscopic results showed that the present glasses has the effective emission cross section bandwidth (Δλeff = 90 nm) and high stimulated emission cross-section (σem = 1.5 × 10−21 cm2). The blue up conversion emissions sharp band at 458 nm corresponding to transition 1D2 → 3F6 and weak emission band in NIR region assigned to 1G4→3H4 for the glasses PZCdO:Tm with UV- excited at 354 nm region were obtained. From result we can suggest that the present glasses can be used for blue light emitting diodes BLED chip.

Quaternary tellurite glasses with composition $$75\hbox {TeO}_{2}$$ – $$5\hbox {WO}_{3}$$ – $$15\hbox {Nb}_{2} \hbox {O}_{5}$$ – $$5\hbox {M}_{x} \hbox {O}_{y}$$ in mol%, where $$\hbox {M}_{x}\hbox {O}_{y}$$ = ( $$\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}, \, \hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {O}$$ , ZnO, MgO, CuO, NiO, $$\hbox {TiO}_{2}$$ , $$\hbox {MnO}_{2}$$ ), were prepared by the normal melt-quenching method. The ultrasonic velocities (longitudinal and shear) were measured in these glasses using the pulse-echo technique at room temperature. Their elastic moduli, microhardness and Debye temperature were calculated and discussed in terms of the modifier’s ionicity and quantitatively in terms of number of bonds per unit volume and the cross-link density. In this study, the values of ultrasonic velocities, elastic moduli, Debye temperature and microhardness were found to be strongly dependent on three factors, namely: (i) modifier’s ionicity; (ii) trigonal pyramid ( $$\hbox {TeO}_{3}$$ )/trigonal bipyramid ( $$\hbox {TeO}_{4}$$ ) ratio; and (iii) glass transition temperature $$T_\mathrm{g}$$ . We used the Makishima and Mackenzie’s model to calculate the theoretical elastic moduli and to indicate that the experimental values were in good agreement with the theoretical values.

The objective of the study was the structural analysis of the 70TeO2-5XO-10P2O5-10ZnO-5PbF2 (X = Mg, Bi2, Ti) tellurite glasses doped with ions of the rare-earth elements Er3+, based on the PALS (positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy) method of measuring positron lifetimes. Values of positron lifetimes and the corresponding intensities may be connected with the sizes and number of structural defects, the sizes of which range from a few angstroms to a few dozen nanometers. Experimental positron lifetime spectrum revealed existence of two positron lifetime components τ 1 andτ 2. Their interpretation was based on two-state positron trapping model where the physical parameters are the positron annihilation rate and positron trapping rate.

This paper reports on the spectral results of Nd3+/Yb3+ ions codoped 50P2O5-30ZnO-20SrO (PZS, in mol.%) glasses which were prepared by a melting technique. The glass transition temperature and spectroscopic properties of these glasses were estimated. From the absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters (Ωk), were calculated. Using J-O intensity parameters, several radiative properties such as spontaneous transition probabilities (AR), radiative branching ratios (βR) and radiative lifetimes (τR) were determined for the exciting levels of the Nd3+ ions. The large value of the stimulated integrated cross-section and the lifetimes of Nd3+ level revealed the potential of the present glasses as a candidate for generating laser emission at 1.06 μm as continuous wave laser action and exploited for optical device fabrication. A broad emission band from 950 to 1100 nm was detected when the Nd3+/Yb3+ was co-doped in PZS glasses excited by 805 nm lighting diode (LD). The energy transfer process from Nd3+→Yb3+ in co-doped phosphate glasses was described in this paper.

A series of aluminum, lead phosphate glasses with chemical composition 70P2O5–5Al2O3–(25-x) Na2O-x PbO, where x = (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) have been prepared and synthesized using a conventional melting method. The structural analysis has been performed using FTIR techniques. FT-IR confirmed that PbO4, and AlO4 are structural units. The optical absorption spectra have been studied and the optical band gap has been estimated. The optical band gap increases with increasing the concentration of PbO. The physical parameters such as density, electronegativity (χ), electron polarizability (α°), optical basicity (˄), molar refractivity Rm, molar polarizability αm, urbach energy (Eu) and elastic moduli are increased.

This framework focuses fundamentally on sheet resistance, Rs, measurements for the As40S60−xSex thin films with [(0≤ x ≥60) at.%] for thickness of the film and heating rate of 1000 nm and 5 K/min, respectively. Then, we can adapt these measurements to study the thermal and electrical properties by which we can reduce the time and effort spent. The thermal and electrical analysis in this work appears in a new format without the need for a procedure to calculate the thermal measurements from bulk material of the studied sample. The same is true for electrical properties where electrical measurements need not be necessarily carried out. In this work, we will focus first on obtaining the sheet resistance, Rs of thin films whose surface thickness is equal to 1000 nm for chalcogenide As40S60−xSex thin films with [(0≤ x ≥60) at.%] at a heating rate of 5 K/min, in the temperature range from 300 to 435 K. This range was sufficient to highlight on two important regions in the sheet resistance curve and through the derivation of sheet resistance as a function of temperature, there was clear evidence of one crystallization region for the studied samples. Second, the thermal data we obtained were used to complete the thermal calculations and then the electrical calculations. The activation energies of crystallization were evaluated. The nucleation and growth order parameter n, and the dimension order parameter m, were also computed and discussed. The activation energy, Ec, and Avrami index, n, were obtained by analyzing the data via JMA methods. The results indicated that the transformation from amorphous to crystalline phases is a complex process that includes different mechanisms of nucleation and growth. The change of activation energy with volume of crystalline fraction was determined. The crystalline phases for the as-deposited and annealed films were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical results of the investigated sample appear in two types of conduction channels which contribute to two conduction mechanisms in the crystallized region. In the extended and hopping states regions, the activation energies ΔE, two pre-exponential factors $$\sigma_{0} ,$$ $$\sigma_{0}^{*}$$ and other parameters were computed.

Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles have been prepared and examined by XRD. The transparent lead alkali borate glass systems of formula xZrO2–20PbO2–(80 − x)·Na2B4O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 24 mol%) are prepared by melting quench method and doped by zirconia nanoparticles. Deconvolution of its FTIR reveals to increase the N4 fraction boron atoms. This result reveals the Zr4+ which forms BO4 network units. The density and refractive index of chosen glass are increased due to add of ZrO2 nanoparticles. Both ultrasonic velocities (longitudinal vL and shear vT) increase with the ZrO2 content increase. The packing density, bulk modulus and Young’s modulus increase with increasing of ZrO2 nanoparticle content. The attenuation coefficients of the studied glasses have been measured at different energies (356, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV) using narrow beam transmission geometry. The obtained results indicated that, the values of the mass attenuation coefficient (µm), the effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron density (Nel) of the glass samples decreased with the increase in the ZrO2 concentration at the energies (662,1173and 1332 keV), while these parameters (µm, Zeff and Nel) increased with the increase in the ZrO2 concentration at 356 keV. The samples are irradiated 30 min by argon glow discharge plasma (GDP). The values of optical band gap decreased slowly with ZrO2 nanoparticles increased and after plasma irradiation.