Radiation effects on the dielectric properties of fused silica

This work aims to determine the dielectric properties of different grades of fused silica grades as well as to study the effect of both ionising and displacement radiation on their dielectric spectra. Dielectric properties of several fused silica grades are measured from 1 kHz to 100 GHz. Samples are irradiated with neutrons up to a level of 1022 n/m2 and with gamma rays up to a dose of 10 MGy. Samples are studied before and following irradiation. Differences between the various grades are observed and quantified. Radiation effects are studied in terms of the processes observed in the unirradiated materials