Stabilization of U1-centers and laser color centers in LiF:OH crystals

The formation of U1-centers in LiF:OH crystals, γ-irradiated to a dose of 1.3×104 C/kg at a temperature of 80 K, is considered in this study. The band at νmax = 2315 cm−1 is the main band of local interstitial hydrogen ions vibrations, which is more stable at room temperature (in a few month) than the additional band at νmax = 2260 cm−1. It is shown that U1-centers are Hi¯(OH¯) defects. The stabilization of interstitial hydrogen ions is occurs by the OH¯ impurity ions. The efficient formation of positively charged F2+ and F3+ color centers is due to electron traps are Hi¯(OH¯) hydrogen centers. The efficiency of F2+- and F3+-like laser color centers formation in LiF crystals is connected with thermal decomposition of Hi¯(OH¯) defects.