Effect of X-ray irradiation on solarization and crystallization of photosensitive glasses containing Ce, Sb, Sn and Ag

The effect of X-ray irradiation on the solarization and crystallization of a lithium silicate glass was investigated in this research. The results showed that the X-ray power has a significant effect on the amount of solarization, and the crystallization temperature of the glass. Applying an X-ray power of 2400 W on glass containing the photosensitive elements of Ce, Sb, Sn and Ag led to reduction of the DTA crystallization peak temperature from 704 to 590 °C. UV spectroscopy showed that solarization of irradiated glasses containing Ce, Sb and Sn ions was responsible for formation of Ag clusters and reduction of crystallization temperature of glasses. Microstructural analysis also showed that the solarized glasses had a finer microstructure relative to that of the non-irradiated one. These differences attributed to changes in crystallization mechanism observed in the non-irradiated glass.