On the radiation damage of fluorozirconate glasses

Multicomponent ZrF 4 -BaF 2 -LaF 3 -AlF 3 -LiF glasses have been studied by ESR and optical absorption spectroscopy after liquid nitrogen temperature X-irradiations. Several radiation induced optical absorption bands have been resolved by thermal annealing, optical bleaching and dichroism experiments. Absorption bands at about 305 nm and 265 nm have been correlated with the ESR signals associated with F 2 − molecular ions and F 0 interstitial atoms respectively. Radiation induced Zr 3+ ions have an absorption in the UV region of the spectrum. In glasses containing small amounts of 3d-ions. defects production is strongly reduced.