Influence of Radiation on Luminescence Properties of Quartz Glasses and Fibers

Abstract

The results of an X-ray luminescence investigation of KИ and KУ-1 quartz glasses and quartz fibers of variable composition and sizes exposed to X-ray doses of 10²–10⁷ Gy are presented. Two luminescence bands at 410 and 450–470 nm were discovered as a result of an analysis of the X-ray luminescence spectra of glasses and fibers and comparison of the experimental data in glass spectra. The possibility of using the data obtained for quartz glasses for interpretation of the results referring to quartz fibers is considered. The dose dependences of the X-ray luminescence intensities measured for each luminescence band were examined to clear up the nature of the relevant centers. A luminescence band of 410 nm in quartz glasses and fibers is suggested to be due to oxygen-deficient Ge centers damaged during γ-irradiation, and a 450- to 470-nm band, due to E "-centers, the number of which increases with the absorbed dose. A protective role of OH groups against the generation of luminescent centers induced under the γ-irradiation of quartz glasses and fibers was confirmed.