Formation of F_2~- color centers in LiF monocrystals by electron irradiation and their applications

摘要

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 ℃ to 60 ℃ 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 that 5% in the -40 ℃ to 60 ℃ temperature range.