Radiation damage and photochromism in the alkaline earth fluorides

Detailed mechanisms are proposed for the defect reactions occurring in irradiated alkaline earth fluorides. Both pure and doped crystals are considered. For the former, the models rationalise much of the experimental data, particularly the studies of Hayes and Lambourn (1973). The discussion of doped crystals explains the origin of the pronounced effects of trivalent impurities. The mechanism of formation of photochromic centres is discussed and the observed temperature dependence of the stability of these defects is explained successfully.