Gamma Radiation Effects on the Optical Properties of Yb-doped Silicate Glasses

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1077.2012.11588

Abstract

Abstract: A series of Yb-doped silicate glasses were prepared by a conventional melting method under normal processing conditions. The effects of gamma-ray (from a 60Co γ source) radiation on the absorption and emission properties of all glass samples were investigated. The radiation exposure leaded to the formation of color centers in glass samples. Such radiation-induced photodarkening caused a strong broad optical absorption band, which had a maximum wavelength centered at around 400 nm and the tail extended into the near infrared region. In addition, a minor part of the Yb³⁺ ions were converted into Yb²⁺ by trapping free electrons during irradiation based on the radiation induced absorption (RIA) spectra. The excitation energy could be transfered from Yb³⁺ ions to radiation-induced defects through cooperative upconversion or multiphoton absorption processes under 960 nm LD pumping. Such energy transfer processes resulted in a decrease of the upper state lifetime of Yb³⁺ ion which was accompanied by an increase in oxygen deficient center ODC(Ⅱ) defect fluorescence at around 476 nm. Photobleaching effect was observed in irradiated Yb-doped glasses during the fluorescence measurement at room temperature.

Key words: Yb-doped silicate glasses, radiation-induced absorption, valence conversion, color center fluorescence

CLC Number:

TQ171

SHENG Yu-Bang, XING Rui-Xian, LUAN Huai-Xun, LIU Zi-Jun, LI Jin-Yan, DAI Neng-Li. Gamma Radiation Effects on the Optical Properties of Yb-doped Silicate Glasses[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2012, 27(8): 860-864.

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