Radiation Damage In Borosilicate Classes By A Irradiation : Application Of Thermostimulated Luminescence

We have been able to show the creation of irradiation damages to a irradiated silicate glass, basic material in optical fiber, by studying its thermostimulated luminescence. The phenomenon whose importance could be essential in particular situations is the subject of a research programm'in collaboration with the C.E.A. (SDHA, Marcoule, F) concerning borosilicate glass that is the basic frit of glass used for radioactive waste confining. The created damages are correlated to bond breaks such as Si-0 or B-0. We are considering the possibility of extending this research to optical fibers.