BGO radiation damage effects: optical absorption, thermoluminescence and thermoconductivity

After irradiation, the light transmission of bismuth germanate monocrystals decreases, mainly in the blue, as a consequence of the formation of colour centres. The absorption, thermoluminescence and thermoconductivity spectra were studied for different kinds of irradiation, different doses and at different temperatures. Doped samples were also tested, showing the role of impurities, mainly iron, in the process of damage. Finally a model is proposed which explains all the experimental results.