Gamma‐Induced Absorption and Structural Studies of Arsenic Borate Glasses

Gamma‐induced coloration in borate glasses containing arsenic was studied to secure information on: ( a ) the effect of addition of As 2 O 3 on the induced coloration of the alkali borate base glass, and ( b ) the possibility of using radiation‐induced coloration in studying structural changes. At concentrations of less than 10 mole % As 2 O 3 , arsenic takes network‐modifying positions and at concentrations greater than 10.0 mole % As 2 O 3 , it takes network‐forming positions. Between 15.0 and 25.0 mole % As 2 O 3 , an additional change in the structure was detected. This change may be confined to the mode of arrangement of the structural units associated with the formation of groups or compounds. Additional studies based on infrared absorption, ultraviolet absorption edge, and density measurements, as well as the chemical analysis of the glasses, confirmed the structural changes suggested from irradiation studies.