Electron-beam modification of optical properties of phosphate glasses with high concentration of silver

The results of experimental study of silver-containing lanthanum-phosphate glasses, modified by electron irradiation with electrons energy E = 5 and 50 keV and thermal treatment are presented. The concentration of Ag2O in glasses was 17 and 30 mol%. It is shown that initially silver is contained in glasses mainly in a state of subnanosized neutral molecular clusters (MCs). Local electron irradiation results in the increase of MCs concentration in the irradiated zone. This process is accompanied by the appearance of luminescence outside the irradiated zone. Redistribution of silver during electron irradiation is confirmed by X-ray spectral microanalyses. During irradiation with E = 5 keV some part of silver migrates to the glass surface, forming the solid silver film. During thermal treatment the growth of silver MCs takes place, and, at last, they form silver nanoparticles (NPs).