Detection by thermoluminescence of damages created by α desintegrations in radionuclear waste glass

Abstract

Study of thermo-stimulated luminescence of an α irradiated natural glass has revealed the formation of a structural defect that cannot be annealed thermally and is therefore cumulative. This phenomenon was again encountered and analysed in synthetic borosilicate glass to be used as radionuclear waste glass. To detect this structural modification, the thermoluminescence signal of an α irradiated sample is traced under certain conditions. Two peak characteristics of a previous α irradiation appear at 230 °C and 320 °C. Their intensity increases at each new experiment, although the α irradiation dose administered remains constant. In other words, despite the successive thermal emptyings, the glass keeps the trace of previous irradiations and consequently gives an increasing signal for constant doses.