Sm${}_2$O${}_3$ effects on mass stopping power/projected range and nuclear shielding characteristics of TeO${}_2$–ZnO glass systems

This work aims to research not only neutron and gamma shielding specialties of Sm${}_2$O${}_3$-doped TeO${}_2$–ZnO glasses but also mass stopping power (MSP) and projected range (PR) for alpha and proton particles. Mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of 60(TeO${}_2$)–(40-x)ZnO–x(Sm${}_2$O${}_3$): x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mol%) glasses were obtained using GEANT4 Monte Carlo codes and WinXCOM software. A good agreement was observed between the two outcomes. The insertion of Sm${}_2$O${}_3$ into the glasses raised the μ/ρ values. It was found that TZSm0.4 glass owns lowest MFP, HVL and TVL values than the other glass samples due to its high specific gravity. Besides, the additive material increased effective atomic number (Z${}_{eff}$) values while the Exposure (EBF) and Energy Absorption (EABF) Buildup Factors decreased which are computed at 0.015–15 MeV photon energies up to 40 mfp. This shows that the addition of Sm${}_2$O${}_3$ improves the performance of glasses to reduce gamma radiation. Moreover, fast neutron macroscopic cross-sections (ΣR) of the glasses were specified. MSP and PR values were also computed for proton (H${}^1$) and alpha (He${}^{+2}$) particles. The outcomes display that the specific gravity of the TZSm glasses are extremely influential on neutron, alpha and proton shielding. With the largest ΣR and lowest PR values, the TZ0.4 glass showed the ability to stop both neutral and charged particles. It can be deduced that TZSM glasses with Sm${}_2$O${}_3$ addition may be preferred shield materials in the sense of gamma, neutron, alpha and proton attenuation.