Nanocomposite Sm2O3:Mn/PVA films were prepared by sol–gel and casting methods. The influence of low Gamma-radiation doses (γ-dose, 0–1000 Gy) on structural and optical characteristics of the Sm2O3:Mn/PVA nanocomposite was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis. Spectrophotometry (200–1000 nm) and photoluminescence (550–750 nm at excitation of 360 nm) techniques. The UV absorption and transmittance spectra were affected by γ-doses. The direct and indirect energies gaps were decreased while the refractive index was enhanced with increased γ-doses. The effect of γ-doses on the dispersion parameters were studied in details using UV spectra. The photoluminescence studies revealed that the nanocomposite emitted red color and its intensity diminished by increased γ-doses, also the emitted peak shown a red shift with increasing of γ-doses.
