Effect of swift heavy ions on structural and optical properties of bismuth based alumino-borosilicate glasses

Borosilicate glass is considered to be one of the most suitable materials for immobilization of the high level radioactive waste (HLW). In the present investigation, glass of the composition Bi2O3 (15%)–Al2O3 (10%)–B2O3 (50%)–SiO2 (25%) was prepared by melting followed by quenching method. Optical and structural properties of these glasses were investigated using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy; X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. Effects of heavy ion irradiation on glass network and structural units have been studied by irradiating glass thin film samples with heavy ions Li3+ (50 MeV) and Ag14+(180 MeV) at different fluence rates ranging from 1012 ions/cm2 to 1014 ions/cm2. Irradiation of materials by swift heavy ions (SHI) results in highly excited lattice atoms due to inelastic collisions with atomic electrons. Atomic displacements and structural modifications of such a lattice, brings out interesting changes in the materials. It is seen that irradiation causes significant changes in compaction of the glass network. Changes in the atomic structure before and after the irradiation are observed and explained.

► We have investigated SHI irradiation effects on the bismuth alumino borosilicate glass. ► The structural and optical properties have been studied by preparing the thin films of the glass. ► Comparative studies with two heavy ions: Li3+ (50 MeV) and Ag14+ (180 MeV) have been done. ► The results indicate that the structure of the glass corresponds to that of radiation hard glass.