Spectral Luminescent Characteristics of Intrinsic and Uranium Color Centers in a LiF Crystal with Uranium, Magnesium, and Hydroxyl Impurities

Abstract

The spectral luminescent characteristics of LiF:U crystals are studied. In addition to an impurity of uranium, impurities of magnesium and hydroxyl are present in each investigated sample. Impurities of magnesium and hydroxyl enter the crystal when grown in air according to Kyropoulos. The absorption spectra of the crystal before and after radiation treatment, measured at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature, are presented. A correlation is found between the absorption spectra in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions and the vibrational spectra of hydroxyl ions in the free state and in complexes with metals. The luminescence spectra are measured upon excitation with different wavelengths. The role of hydroxyl and magnesium in the differentiation of uranium centers is determined.