Generation and annealing of radiational defects in neutron irradiated Al2O3

The possibility of using aluminium oxide as an electrical insulation material in nuclear power reactors led to the work reported in this paper regarding the radiation and temperature effects occurring in crystal defects in this ceramic. Samples were studied via spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and photoluminescence both prior to and following irradiation in the core of a WWR-SM reactor. Results are assessed for varying neutron doses and annealing temperatures and the consequent degradation in color and structural properties in the oxide