Effects of high-energy electron irradiation on heavy-metal fluoride glass.

The effects of high-energy (100 keV) electron irradiation have been observed in a heavy-metal fluoride glass using in situ time-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope. Formation of F2 has been observed. The irradiation-induced changes of configuration and composition are discussed based on the evolution of the near-edge fine structures of F K edge. We suggest that the high sensitivity to electron irradiation is due to the existence of nonbridging F in heavy-metal fluoride glasses so that is there is a tendency of the electron irradiation to eliminate nonbridging F in the irradiated region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]