Effects of Nuclear Reactor Exposure on Some Properties of Vitreous Silica and Quartz

In a nuclear reactor, quartz alters gradually to an amorphous form. Some of the property changes observed are ( a ) decreases in density, refractive indices, rotatory power, and birefringence, ( b ) disappearance of the α‐β transition, and ( c ) changes in the absorption spectrum. The properties of vitreous silica also alter in a nuclear reactor, the density and refractive index increasing somewhat. On heating the irradiated solids the properties alter in a complex manner.