Micro-Raman and EPR studies of β-radiation damages in aluminosilicate glass

Structural changes under P-irradiation have been investigated by means of micro-Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies on a calcium alummosilicate glass with the composition 48.22 SiO(2), 12.64 Al(2)O(3), 2.48 Na(2)O, 3.45 Cs(2)O, 0.46 Rb(2)O, 32.75 CaO. The Raman spectra of this sample show no significant structural changes up to 4 x 10(9) Gy. This result could be correlated to the fact that alkaline and alkaline earth migration under beta-irradiation are reduced for this glass composition because these ions are trapped close to aluminium ions for charge compensating reasons. EPR spectra of these irradiated glasses indicate the creation of three paramagnetic centres (At-OHC, Oxy and E' defects) which increase with dose. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.