It is known that W5+, Mo5+, and Fe3+ ions are sensitive indicators for
the structural changes of the local symmetry in oxide glasses. Thus,
these centres were used as EPR probes in P2O5-A(2)MO(4)-A(2)O (M=Mo, W
and A=Li, Na). The M5+ ions are located in a distorted environment. T
heir symmetry is lowered as A(2)O content is high. In iron-dopped glas
ses Fe3+ centres occupy distorted octahedra. The distortion extent is
less than 7%. Radiation-induced defects have been detected, it is conc
erned with a PO42- centre and peroxy radicals.