Defect states induced by UV–laser irradiation in scintillating glasses

Abstract Emission intensity variation of the leading 542 nm emission line of Tb 3+ centre in Na–Gd phosphate glasses under 308 nm excimer laser line irradiation was studied. Furthermore, induced optical absorption measurements after 308 nm laser, X-ray and γ-ray irradiations were performed. Thermoluminescence (TSL) above room temperature was also studied after 308 nm and X-ray irradiations at 295 K. The observed phenomenology evidences the presence of traps, which compete for carrier capture from the Gd 3+ energy guiding sublattice with Tb 3+ emission centres. The radiation induced optical absorption features are explained as due to both Tb 4+ and host lattice-related hole colour centres.