Low-temperature irradiation effects in natural crystalline quartz

Near-infrared absorption results have been used to discuss low-temperature irradiation effects before and after 300 K irradiation on good quality alkali- and H-swept natural quartz crystals. Samples used had similar aluminum but widely different alkali and H levels. Using the irradiation cycle and defect dynamics consideration, a quantitative estimation of deep and shallow alkali and proton traps, Al–Li+, Al–OH, and Al–hole defect centers has been presented. Comparisons on high-H and low-H natural quartz samples have been made. The results can be directly applied to understanding the radiation response of several impurity-related groups of near-infrared bands and possibly to developing better growth procedures for production of radiation-resistant cultured quartz for aerospace applications.