Radiation-induced densification in amorphous silica: A computer simulation study

Using classical dynamics simulations, we model the long-lived structural effect of ultraviolet irradiation on amorphous silica. We find a significant increase in density of a model of amorphous silica following localized energy deposition, in agreement with experimental observation. We present evidence that this densification arises as a result of the rapid local cooling that follows irradiation. Similar high density forms of amorphous silica are found following fast quenches of bulk samples. In support of this proposal we demonstrate that very rapidly quenched silica undergoes dilation, rather than compaction, on irradiation.