Optical properties of natural topaz

The results of investigation of infrared, Raman and UV-Visible absorption spectra of natural topaz crystals from Ukraine before and after fast neutron irradiation are presented. We assume that the ~ 620 nm band in topaz crystals is associated with the presence of Cr 3+ , Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ impurities. The broad band with maxima at 650 cm -1 observed in Raman spectra for topaz irradiated by fast neutrons may be connected with lattice disorder. Exchange interaction between radiation defect and impurity ions during neutron irradiation leads to appearance of additional absorption band in UV-VIS spectra and bands broadening in infrared and Raman spectra of investigated crystals.