Effects of radiation damage on the optical properties of glass

We study the optical properties of glass exposed to ionizing radiation as it occurs in the space environment. Twenty-four glass types have been considered, both space-qualified and not space-qualified. Seventy-two samples (3 for each glass type) have been irradiated to simulate total doses of 10 and 30 krad imposed by a proton beam at KVI-Centre of Advanced Radiation Technology (Groeningen). Combining information concerning stopping power and proton fluence, the time required to reproduce any given total dose in a real environment can be easily obtained. The optical properties, such as spectral transmission and light scattering, have been measured before and after irradiation for each sample. Transmission has been characterized within the wavelength range of 200 to 1100 nm. Indications that systematical issues depend on the dopant or composition are found and described. Our work aims at extending the existing list of space-compliant glasses in terms of radiation damage.