Radiation induced paramagnetic centers in nuclear glasses: an EPR spectroscopy study

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) investigation of a series of glasses irradiated at room temperature with b or X radiation sources has been made in order to predict the long term behavior of glasses used in the nuclear waste disposal. The following paramagnetic defects were identified: Boron oxygen hole center (BOHC), HC1 center, peroxy radical (Oxy defect), E' centers, and electron trapping processes for zirconium ions: Zr4+ + e- → Zr3+. In particular, no paramagnetic defects associated with aluminium ions are detected in these β and X irradiated glasses. (authors)