Twofold coordinated Ge defects induced by gamma-ray irradiation in Ge-doped SiO₂

We report an experimental study by photoluminescence, optical absorption and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance measurements on the effects of exposure of Ge-doped amorphous SiO₂ to γ ray radiation at room temperature. We have evidenced that irradiation at doses of the order of 1 MGy is able to generate Ge-related defects, recognizable from their optical properties as twofold coordinated Ge centers. Until now, such centers, responsible for photosensitivity of Ge-doped SiO₂, have been induced only in synthesis procedures of materials. The found result evidences a role played by γ radiation in generating photosensitive defects and could furnish a novel basis for photosensitive pattern writing through ionizing radiation.