Impact of ionizing radiation on optical properties of steatite SC-1

Magnesium-metasilicate-based ceramics is an excellent insulator, and so it is a promising insulating material to be used for nuclear and physical facilities. A goal of this paper is to study the nature of radiation damages of the steatite under the high gamma and mixed n-g- reactor radiation, using the optical spectroscopy method (scattered reflection). After γ-radiation within the SR spectra the additional absorption bands with the peaks at λ=220 and 260, and 400-550 nm, are observed in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum region. The absorption bands density increases when g -radiation dose increases up to 2·1010 R. Possible mechanisms of F-centers formation and the ways of radiation resistance enhancement of the magnesium-metasilicate-based steatite are discussed