Pulse radiolysis of fused and crystalline quartz

Abstract

Abstract The transient absorption in fused and crystalline quartz subjected to pulse electron irradiation have been investigated at wavelengths from 260 to 900 nm in the temperature range 77–673 K. Absorption bands were observed at 330 nm and about 550 nm in fused quartz and at 350 nm in crystalline natural quartz. Bleaching of colour centres after electron pulse obeys a pseudo first-order law at all temperatures. The spectrum of short-lived absorption is compared with the permanent spectrum of quartz irradiated in stationary conditions with y-rays of 60Co at different temperatures. For both pulse electron irradiation and y-irradiation temperature variation shifts the 330 nm band to shorter wavelengths. It is shown that the transient absorption in quartz results from the presence of impurities.