Formation of F2− color centers in LiF monocrystals by electron irradiation and their applications

Formation conditions, optical nonlinear properties and applications of F 2 − color centers in LiF monocrystals are investigated. The efficiency of F 2 − centers generation depending of irradiation conditions and content of OH − impurities of the LiF monocrystal are also presented. Thermal stability of the centers generated by electron irradiation was studied. It was measured the variation of absorption factor of the LiF: F 2 − crystal in the −40 °C to 60 °C temperature range. The LiF: F 2 − crystals obtained by an efficient method of irradiation with electrons generated by a linear accelerator were employed in Q -switching a Nd: YAG laser cavity with output energies of 18 mJ and fluctuations less than 5% in the −40 °C to 60 °C temperature range.