Electron spin resonance studies of radiation damage in silicate glasses

Abstract

Radiation-induced defects in silicate glasses were studied by the ESR-method. Two types of paramagnetic centers, whose ESR signals show a strong overlap, have been observed. A separation of the spectra was necessary for an exact characterization of these centers. Here, we took advantage of the effect that different centers disappear at different temperatures. By studying the behavior of the single spectra, both as a function of the temperature and of the composition, two types of paramagnetic centers could be isolated, which were called H I- and H II-centers. We developed new models for these centers on the basis of the data obtained from the experiments, computer-simulations and the literature.