Gamma Radiation Effects on the Optical Properties of Yb-doped Silicate Glasses

A series of Yb-doped silicate glasses were prepared by a conventional melting method under normal proc- essing conditions. The effects of gamma-ray (from a 60 Co γ source) radiation on the absorption and emission properties of all glass samples were investigated. The radiation exposure leaded to the formation of color centers in glass samples. Such radiation-induced photodarkening caused a strong broad optical absorption band, which had a maximum wave- length centered at around 400 nm and the tail extended into the near infrared region. In addition, a minor part of the