Optical characterization of ion-doped crystalline and glassy matrices operating under hostile environmental conditions

The aim of this work is to give an overall picture of the activity on gamma radiation effects in the field of scintillators (crystals, glasses) with specific mention to the role of ions doped in different crystalline and glassy matrices. Interesting results were obtained in terms of radiation hardness improvement and of physical-chemical properties modification as a function of the nature of dopant (i.e. rare earth as well as metallic ions) and of the scintillating host glassy and glass-ceramic matrix (silicate, phosphate, borate, oxyfluoride and mixed oxides glasses). The research activities were carried out at the Co-60 gamma Calliope plant, a pool-type irradiation facility located at the Research Centre ENEA-Casaccia (Rome). Since the eighties, the Calliope facility is deeply involved in radiation processing research on materials and on devices to be used in hostile radiation environment such as nuclear plants, aerospace and High Energy Physics experiments, in the framework of international projects and collaboration with industries and research institutions.