Luminescence properties of silver zinc phosphate glasses following different irradiations

We report on exposing a photosensitive zinc phosphate glass containing silver to different radiation (electron, gamma, optical). Laser irradiations using nanosecond ultraviolet (UV) and femtosecond infrared (IR) laser are compared with gamma and electron exposure. All irradiated glasses exhibit absorption maxima around 320 nm and 380 nm and emission in the visible spectral range. Following exposure, silver clusters are formed. The optical response of such species is investigated using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The mechanism of formation of these clusters is discussed.