Influence of gamma radiation and action of neutrons on photoluminescence and the microhardness of barium silicate glass

Abstract

The influence of nanocrystals on the optical centers of barium silicate glass has been studied experimentally. It is found that, when glass is irradiated in the thermal column of an atomic reactor or in a gammasource ⁶⁰Cо, the phase transformation of SiO₂ nanocrystals (crystoballite into tridymite) and BaO into BaO₂ and BaSiO₃ occurs, which creates a brown coloration, reduction in the microhardness, and weakening of the luminescence intensity.