Investigation on radiation resistance of Er/Ce co-doped silicate glasses under 5 kGy gamma-ray irradiation

Various Er/Ce co-doped SiO2-Al2O3-CaO glasses are prepared by the melt-quenching method. The radiation resistance of Er/Ce co-doped glasses is investigated under 5 kGy gamma-ray irradiation. The absorption spectra, up-conversion spectra, fluorescence intensity and lifetime of Er/Ce co-doped glasses before and after irradiation are measured and analyzed in details. The radiation induced absorption (RIA) of the Er/Ce co-doped silicate glasses can be suppressed due to Ce ions co-doping. The fluorescence intensity and lifetime of Er/Ce co-doped glasses have no apparent change after irradiation. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of Ce effect on the radiation resistance improvement is discussed. The result indicates that Er doped glasses with an optimal Ce concentration introduction can be used as active medias for radiation-resistant materials in harsh radiation environments.