The influence of gamma-irradiation on the optical properties of GexAs4.0S60
chalcogenide bulk glasses has been studied. The "gamma-darkening" effect h
as been established after irradiation. The changes in the absorption coeffi
cient have been connected with the network arrangement and the degree of di
sorder in the different compositions of the chalcogenide glasses. It has be
en found that the created changes in the optical properties relax with time
in a way which is also composition-dependent. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.
V. All rights reserved.