Optical absorption and luminescence studies of fast neutron-irradiated complex oxides for jewellery applications

Abstract

We studied the optical absorption and luminescence of agate (SiO 2 ), topaz (Al 2 [SiO 4 ](F,OH) 2 ), beryl (Be 3 Al 2 Si 6 O 18 ), and prehnite (Ca 2 Al(AlSi 3 O 10 )(OH) 2 ) doped with different concentrations of transition metal ions and exposed to fast neutron irradiation. The exchange interaction between the impurity ions and the defects arising under neutron irradiation causes additional absorption as well as bands' broadening in the crystals. These experimental results allow us to suggest the method for obtaining new radiation-defect induced jewellery colors of minerals due to neutron irradiation.

Optimization of conditions for topaz irradiation in the WWR-K reactor

“…In recent years, radiation treatment of semiprecious stones, in particular, topaz based on research reactors, has been actively developed as one of the methods for radiation processing of materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. This is due to the fact that most of the semiprecious stones mined are colorless, as a result of which they have practically no jewelry value.…”

Optical, Structural, and Mechanical Properties of Gd3Ga5O12 Single Crystals Irradiated with 84Kr+ Ions

“…[ 18,19 ] In the last few decades, many proven efforts have been spent to study the optical properties and structural defect inhomogeneities caused by both the growth procedure and the radiation‐induced point and extended defects in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 single crystals. [ 3,5,14,20–27 ] It should be noted here that, in contrast to well‐studied oxide materials, such as MgO, CaO, Al 2 O 3 , MgAl 2 O 4 , etc., [ 28–45 ] the existing understanding of the nature of radiation defects and appropriate radiation‐induced processes in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 is still insufficient.…”

“…[18,19] In the last few decades, many proven efforts have been spent to study the optical properties and structural defect inhomogeneities caused by both the growth procedure and the radiation-induced point and extended defects in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 single crystals. [3,5,14,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] It should be noted here that, in contrast to well-studied oxide materials, such as MgO, CaO, Al 2 O 3 , MgAl 2 O 4 , etc., [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] the existing understanding of the nature of radiation defects and appropriate radiation-induced processes in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 is still insufficient. This is mainly due to the lack of experimental data, which, in turn, is associated with the low efficiency of point defect formation in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 single crystals.…”

Computational Study of Radiation Characteristics in the Niche of the Experimental Devices of the WWR-K Reactor

“…The scope of such technologies is very wide. For example, the production of radioisotopes for medicine [1][2][3][4][5][6], radiation coloring of semiprecious stones for the jewelry industry [7][8][9][10], neutron transmutation doping of semiconductors for the electronics industry [11][12][13][14], and radiation treatment of seeds for the agricultural industry [15][16][17]. Nuclear and radiation technologies are implemented based on nuclear and electrophysical installations, in particular, on the basis of research reactors.…”