Creation of E' Centers in Silica by Glow-Discharge Plasma and Their Annealing

Abstract
ESR measurements were performed for silica glasses exposed to rf plasma of various kinds of gases. During a short time of exposure, UV light emitted from the plasma created E' centers in the bulk of glass. After a long time of exposure, the density of E' centers decreased by the influence of plasma particles or high-energy UV light on the surface. The remnant E' centers were easily annealed out, even at room temperature.