Effect of Temperature on the Relaxation of Radiation-Induced Coloration in Optical Glasses

Optical and radiation-resistant crown and flint glasses exposed to gamma irradiation at room temperature are investigated. The relaxation of radiation-induced absorption in irradiated glasses is examined prior to and after short-term or long-term heat treatment at different temperatures in the range 20-150°C. It is established that an increase in the heat treatment temperature by even several tens of degrees leads to a drastic increase in the relaxation rate of radiation-induced coloration and a decrease in the time of complete bleaching of irradiated glasses by several orders of magnitude.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]