LAUSR

Abstract For the first time, absorption bands of C atoms and carbon clusters C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 were found in irradiated polyethylene. The relationship between the type and mass of –CH2–, –C2H4–, –C3H6–, –C4H8–, – C5H10–, – C6H12 – free radicals and clusters of C, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 with their ionization energy in electron-irradiated polyethylene has been established. The results are based on the measured transmission spectra of the films and calculated values of the absorption bands after each dose of electron exposure in a vacuum at the site of irradiation (in situ). A linear dependence of the energy position of absorption bands on the type and mass of free radicals and clusters has been obtained. By the areas of the absorption bands of free radicals and carbon clusters the contribution of each defect to their total concentration has been determined depending on the absorbed dose in the range of 104–107Gy. The established dependences correlate with the known regularities in the formation of colloidal and color centers during irradiation of alkali-halide crystals, photographic materials, and oxide compounds.