Formation of Color Centers and Molecular Complexes with a Weak Hydrogen Bond in Lithium Fluoride Crystals Depending on the Form of OH¯ Inclusion

Abstract

The form of oxygen-containing inclusions in the LiF crystal was shown to be determined by the laws of isomorphic substitution and impurity accumulation in a melt during crystal growth in open air. Color centers and hydrogen-bonded complexes of different types appear in the LiF crystal after irradiation depending on the form of OH^– and Mg²⁺ inclusions. The radiative decay of OH^– ions and the properties of molecular complexes (MCs) with a weak hydrogen bond are responsible for the decreased efficiency of formation of the F- and F₂-color centers and increased concentration of the positively charged F₂⁺- and F₃⁺-centers. Radiochemical reactions involving hydrogen and fluorine atoms and ions that compete with the formation of color centers were presented.