Low-energy photon albedo, surface morphology, and optical properties of Er2O3-doped obsidian glass–ceramics: experimental investigation and Monte Carlo simulation using synchrotron radiation
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, cilt.249, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 249
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2026.114247
- Dergi Adı: Radiation Physics and Chemistry
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Detector efficiency, Er2O3-doped obsidian glass–ceramic, PHITS Monte Carlo simulation, Photon albedo parameters, Radiation shielding materials, Synchrotron radiation
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Obsidian glasses have attracted considerable interest in radiation–matter interaction studies due to their amorphous structure, high chemical durability, and the presence of naturally occurring heavy elements. In this study, the low-energy photon interaction behavior of erbium (Er2O3)-doped obsidian glass–ceramics was comprehensively investigated through synchrotron-based experiments and Monte Carlo simulations using the PHITS code. Albedo parameters (number, energy, and dose) were experimentally determined at the SESAME facility using a backscattering geometry at a fixed scattering angle of 155° for incident photon energies of 10, 15, 20, and 25 keV. Detector efficiency was experimentally calibrated using reference elements (Z = 22–47), ensuring reliable albedo parameter determination in the low-energy region. The novelty of this study lies in the combined investigation of low-energy photon albedo, detector efficiency calibration, surface morphology, and optical properties of Er2O3-doped obsidian glass–ceramics using monochromatic synchrotron radiation, which has rarely been reported in the literature. The results showed that albedo parameters increase with increasing photon energy, while they decrease with increasing Er2O3 concentration due to enhanced photon absorption. To complement the radiation interaction analysis, surface roughness and optical properties of the samples were also examined. Surface roughness exhibited a non-linear dependence on Er2O3 content, indicating structural and compositional variations. UV–Vis measurements revealed significant shifts in the absorption edge, and the optical band gap showed a non-linear trend with doping concentration, reflecting defect formation and structural reorganization within the glass matrix. Monte Carlo simulations performed using the PHITS code showed reasonable agreement with the experimental results, particularly at 25 keV, supporting the overall consistency of the measurements. The results demonstrate that Er2O3-doped obsidian glass–ceramics offer tunable control over backscattering, making them promising candidates for advanced radiation shielding applications where minimizing secondary radiation is critical.