Influence of gamma radiation and action of neutrons on photoluminescence and the microhardness of barium silicate glass

The influence of nanocrystals on the optical centers of barium silicate glass has been studied experimentally. It is found that, when glass is irradiated in the thermal column of an atomic reactor or in a gammasource 60Cо, the phase transformation of SiO2 nanocrystals (crystoballite into tridymite) and BaO into BaO2 and BaSiO3 occurs, which creates a brown coloration, reduction in the microhardness, and weakening of the luminescence intensity.