Reduced radiation damage in a multicomponent phosphate glass by Nb^5+ or Sb^3+ doping

Abstract

An experimental investigation on the effects of Niobium and Antimony (Nb and Sb) on the radiation response of the multicomponent phosphate glass used for higher optical gain single mode fiber has been carried out. The samples were irradiated with γ-rays up to 20 kGy. Optical absorption spectra and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) were employed to investigate the radiation-induced-defects. We found that the radiation induced attenuation (RIA) decrease with increasing Nb5+ and Sb3+ doping concentration. Only the phosphorus oxygen hole center (POHC) related EPR signals were observed in the Nb5+-doped samples. Both POHC and phosphorus-oxygen electron centers (POEC) related EPR signals decrease obviously with 1 mol % Sb2O3 doping concentration. These experimental results were interpreted by a model that is based on competition between various defects and Nb- or Sb-ions for the holes and electrons generated by the absorption of γ-rays.