Radiation defects in BaF$_2$-Cd

TL;DR

This study investigates radiation-induced defects in BaF$_2$ crystals doped with cadmium using spectroscopic techniques, revealing three types of Cd$^+$ centers with different symmetries, mainly cubic, influenced by impurity distribution.

Contribution

It identifies and characterizes three distinct Cd$^+$ defect centers in doped BaF$_2$ crystals, highlighting the influence of impurity spatial distribution on defect formation.

Findings

Three types of Cd$^+$ centers with different symmetries identified

Cubic centers are predominantly formed in the crystals

Impurity distribution affects defect center formation

Abstract

Radiation defects in barium fluoride single crystals doped with cadmium have been investigated by luminescence and absorption spectroscopy, as well as by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Three types of Cd$^+$ centers differing by the local environment with the point symmetries O$_h$, C$_3$$_v$ and C$_2$$_v$ have been identified although in the crystals only the cubic centers are usually formed. We believe that these features may arise from the difference in the spacial distribution of the impurities in the crystals.