Annealing And Other Variables Which Affect Observed Decay Rates Of Trapped Electrons In 3 Methylpentane Glass

The rate of decay at 77K of trapped electrons produced by y-irradiation of 3 methylpentane glass decreases with time of annealing of the matrix at 77K before y-irradiation and for short annealing times is dependant on the geometry of the sample. In quench cooled samples in 2mm internal diameter tubes the initial half life increases from 10 min without annealing to 60min for samples annealed for 250 h but there is little or no effect of annealing on the yields and absorption spectra of the trapped electrons. Decay rates measured by ESR and infrared have been compared and sources of error in both types of measurement considered.