Sm3+ and Gd3+ Co-doped lead phosphate glasses for γ-rays shielding and sensing

Six samples of rare earth (Sm3- and Gd3+ ) co-doped lead alumino phosphate glasses of composition (58.2-2 x) PbO-40P(2)O(5) - 1.8Al(2)O(3)-xSm(2)O(3)-xGd(2)O(3) (where x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mol%) were synthesized and explored for its scintillation properties. Prepared samples are found to have high density and better radiation shielding properties than halide scintillator and some conventional concretes and alloys. Optical characterization of samples confirms strong sensitivity for absorbing UV-visible radiation and enhanced luminescent properties due to energy transfer/energy down conversion process from Pb2+ to Gd3+ and then to Sm3+. Prepared samples when stimulated with high energy radiations under proper design suggest their possible use as high energy radiation detection and phosphors in scintillation counters for gamma-rays and X-rays detection. The synthesized glass systems are promising materials for developing optoelectronic devices like lasers and optical amplifiers, and gamma rays shielding material for radioactive waste encapsulation and detection of radiations.