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Title: High-dose temperature-dependent neutron irradiation effects on the optical transmission and dimensional stability of amorphous fused silica

Journal Article · · Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

The primary concern for implementing amorphous fused silica (a-SiO2) fiber optic sensors in a nuclear environment is the radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) of the light signal due to the formation of radiation-induced color centers. In addition, Bragg grating sensors drift under irradiation due to radiation-induced compaction of the a-SiO2 structure. This work provides new data regarding RIA and radiation-induced compaction of a-SiO2 samples irradiated to a fast neutron fluence of 2.4 × 1021 n/cm2 at temperatures of 95, 298, and 688 °C. Results show that RIA may be approaching saturation for the range of photon energies evaluated in this paper and that the hydroxyl content has a significant impact on RIA when the irradiation temperature is increased to 688 °C. Furthermore, a model was developed for predicting radiation-induced compaction, and the resulting signal drift for Bragg grating sensors, as a function of neutron fluence and temperature.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE Office of Science (SC); USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
1607158
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1573416
Journal Information:
Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Journal Name: Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids Journal Issue: C Vol. 525; ISSN 0022-3093
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English