Effect of PbO impurities on the structural and physical properties of CeCu@Na₂B₄O₇ glasses: For shielding and terahertz applications

In this work, the effect of the PbO additives on the structure, optical, and optoelectronic properties of some cerium copper sodium-borate glass have been estimated. Traditional tools and techniques have been used to prepare the glass samples, whereas X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectra have been used to characterize their structures. The amorphous nature has been confirmed for all samples with the imposition of two superimposed amorphous phases. The values of the bulk density and the Urbach’s energy (optical-structural property) showed approximately no change when the PbO content was increased. On the other hand, the increase in the content of PbO caused the values of both the refractive index and the optical conductivity to increase. The no-change in the value of the metallization factor with the content of PbO proved that all samples have the same degree of randomness. The large values of the 3rd optical susceptibility and the nonlinear refractive index may suggest/nominate the studied glasses for nonlinear optical applications such as optical sensors and switching devices. The optical reflectance spectra referred to an increase in the charge-carriers concentration and mobilities as the content of PbO increased. The Drude-Lorentz model simulation parameters indicated that the studied samples are not plasma media. While the simulation process by the Wemple-Di-Domenico model for linear refractive index resulted in the same average energy band gap for the studied samples. The studied samples suggested to be used as an optical sensors, switching devices and shielding applications.