Gamma irradiation-induced effects in sodium diborate glasses doped with some transition metals

Sodium diborate glasses (Na2B4O7) doped with 0.5 mol% Fe, Cu and V were irradiated by γ-rays at room temperature at a dose rate of 175 Gy h-1 for 8 and 30 h. The spectral absorption of these glasses before and after irradiation was measured in the range 185-2500 nm and was compared with that of the base glass (Na2B4O7). The spectral measurements were used to explore the effect of Fe, Cu and V in low quantities on the formation of colour centres in the base glass and, in particular, the sensitivity of these glasses to low and high doses of γ-rays. (Author)