Radiation-induced defects in fluoride glasses

Fluorozirconate (ZBLA) and fluorohafnate (HBL) glasses have been exposed to ionizing radiation at room temperature, and the resulting defects have been characterized using optical absorption and electron spin resonance techniques. Prominent absorption bands were found to peak in the ultraviolet at 290 nm for the ZBLA glass and at 240 and 310 nm for the HBL glass. Two major electron spin resonance spectra having g values of 1.883 and 2.043 were induced in the HBL glass. Similar electron spin resonance spectra were found in the ZBLA glass. A third spectrum with a g value of 2.008 was also observed in the ZBLA material. The optical and electron spin resonance spectra in these glasses thermally annealed between room temperature and 300°C. Possible models for the defects are discussed.