Effect of γ-irradiation on the lattice parameter and colour centre concentration in pure Ca2+, Sr2+ and Eu2+ doped KCI crystals

The changes of lattice parameter and colour centre concentration are examined in KCI crystals (both pure and Me²⁺-doped) irradiated by γ-rays at room temperature. For the pure crystals the relative volume change vs. F-centre concentration plot reveals the presence of two stages, one ascribed to the introduction of colour centre pairs (or F centres only) and other to the generation of the new dislocations (or new dislocations with trapped-hole centres). In Me²⁺ doped crystals the lattice expansion bears a complex character (in the initial irradiation stage a transient maximum appears). Additional anomaly appears in Eu²⁺ KCI in the high-dose range where in spite of a distinct F-centre concentration drop a marked raise of the lattice parameter is observed.     

Effect of the oxygen pressure during annealing on Tc and lattice parameter c of Bi-2212 single crystals

The influence of oxygen partial pressure (p_o2 = 10⁻⁴–1.5 · 10² atm) during annealing on the T_c and lattice parameter c of Bi-2212 single crystals has been investigated. Antibate correlation between non-monotonous alteration of the c parameter and T_c with the increase in oxygen content has been revealed.     

Formation of Z1 centers in KCI crystals doped with alkaline earth ions under X-irradiation

On the basis of systematic investigations of the shape of the absorption resulting from a superposition of F- and Z₁ bands it is shown that during X-irradiation at RT in KCI crystals doped with alkaline earth ions F centers and Z₁ centers are formed. After an incubation time the ratio of the corresponding concentrations is constant. This is related to a dynamic equilibrium between the F → Z₁ conversion and the destruction of Z₁ centers. A formation mechanism for Z₁ centers is proposed analogously to the well known mechanism for the M center formation under the influence of ionizing radiation.     

Effect of impurity adsorption on the growth of Rochelle salt crystals

The influence of impurities of copper compounds on the growth of Rochelle salt crystals of the composition KNaC₄H₄O₄ · 4H₂O is studied. The growth rates of the faces of various simple forms experimentally measured as functions of the CuCO₃ concentration in solution at a constant supersaturation and temperature are compared with the theoretical models of impurity adsorption on the faces of a growing crystal. Deceleration of the growth of various faces of a Rochelle salt crystal is satisfactorily described by the Bliznakov equation with the use of the Langmuir, Frumkin-Fowler, and de Boor adsorption isotherms for all the faces except for {010}. However, such a comparison does not allow one to reveal the cause of adsorption or its type on different faces. Photometric scanning of Rochelle salt solutions with copper-compound impurity showed that a small addition of alkali (0.06–0.4 g/l) to the solution results in the appearance in the absorption spectra of both the solution nd the crystal grown from it of a maximum at the wavelength 660–670 nm. The intensity of this maximum increases with an increase in the copper concentration. The EPR data, the absorption spectra of the solution and the crystal, and the modified crystal shape showed that the addition of alkali to the solution results in the formation of new copper complexes that more actively decelerate the growth of Rochelle salt faces.     

State of dispersion of impurity on formation of Z1-centres in NaCl:Sr2+ crystals

Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optical absorption studies are carried out to study the bleaching kinetics of F-centre and formation of Z₁-centres in X-irradiated strontium doped NaCl crystals, both in as-grown state and in quenched state. An additional TL peak is observed in this crystal system after F-bleaching of irradiated samples which is attributed to thermal annealing of Z₁-centres. Various models proposed for Z₁-centres are reviewed in the light of these results and it is concluded that Z₁-centres are associated with impurity-vacancy dipoles.     

Crystal chemistry of the salts Me+Cl · Me2+Cl2 · 2 H2O

The crystal chemistry of the double salts Me⁺Cl · Me²⁺Cl₂ · 2 H₂O (where (Me⁺ = K, Rb, Cs; Me²⁺ = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) is considered. It is concluded that these salts crystallize in three types of structures, the Me⁺ ion size being decisive for the structure type. Salts containing the large Cs⁺ ions crystallize in an orthorhombic structure in which [Me²⁺ (H₂O)₂Cl₄] octahedra form chains having common Cl⁻ corners. Salts with the smaller K⁺ ions crystallize in a tricline system, the [Me²⁺ (H₂O)₂Cl₄] octahedra being connected by a common Cl–Cl edge and forming dimers. When the intermediate in size Rb⁺ ions are present in the salts, either of the above structures is possible as well as a monoclinic structure which is intermediate in symmetry. The expected isostructure of the cesium salts was checked by studing the CsCl · NiCl₂ · 2 H₂O–CsCl · MnCl₂ · 2H₂O–H₂O system. A continuous series of mixed crystals is found.     

Distribution of Pb2+ ions in KCl single crystals grown by bridgman method

Basing on the Pb²⁺ concentrations in the ”︁pure”︁ ends of single KCl crystals, at various dopant concentrations in the original melts, as well as on the Pb²⁺ concentrations along the crystals, the distribution coefficient of the dopant ions is estimated. The origin of possible deviations of experimental data from those calculated according to eq. (1) is discussed and the neccessity of introducing an appropriate correction factor is pointed out (eq. (2)).     

Influence of Zn2+ ions concentration on the optical properties of Zn/Er:LiNbO3 crystals

Congruent Er³⁺(3 mol%):LiNbO₃ crystals codoped with ZnO (X mol %, X=0, 3, 6 and 7) were grown by the Czochralski technique. The Er contents in the crystals were measured by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP‐AES). Under 800 nm excitation, the upconversion emission spectra reveal an enhancement of the green emission with respect to the red emission when the Zn²⁺ ions are introduced into Er:LiNbO₃ crystal. The effect of Zn²⁺ ions concentration on the intensity ratio of the green to red emission has been investigated. Two cross‐relaxation processes (²H_11/2 + ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_11/2 + ⁴F_9/2 and ⁴F_7/2 + ⁴I_11/2 → ⁴F_9/2 + ⁴F_9/2) are involved in populating the ⁴F_9/2 state, which bypass the green‐emitting states. The OH^‐ absorption spectra indicate that the Zn²⁺ codoping leads to a decreased concentration of Er³⁺ cluster sites contributing to the enhancement of the green emission. The studies on UV‐vis absorption spectra show that the heavily codoped with Zn²⁺ results in the reformation of the Er³⁺ cluster sites in Er:LiNbO₃. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Influence of impurity atmosphere on the deformation of silicon crystals

The Alexander–Haasen theory, which describes the deformation kinetics of silicon crystals, has been generalized for impurity crystals. The deformation kinetics of an impurity sample is calculated in a wide range of parameters, including the cases of partial and complete entrainment of impurities by moving dislocations. The developed model, despite its simplicity, adequately describes the qualitative transformation of the stress–strain curves of impurity silicon crystals in dependence of the impurity concentration and other material parameters. The manifestation of negative velocity dependence of the yield stress, observed in natural experiments, is analyzed.     

Effect of change of state of aggregation of impurity on tl and microhardness of KClxBr1–x mixed crystals doped with Ca2+

Microhardness and Thermoluminescence (TL) measurements have been made in KCl_xBr_1–x mixed crystals doped with Ca²⁺ impurity. The variation of hardness in undoped and Ca²⁺ doped KCl_xBr_1–x crystals with quenching temperature is investigated. TL studied of KCl_xBr_1–x crystals doped with Ca²⁺, both in as-grown state and after quenching them from various elevated temperatures indicate that the positions of the glow peak which has been attributed to F-centers is found to depend upon the state of dispersion of impurity.     

The effect of impurity complexes on the shape of PbTe and Bi2Te3 crystals

The causes of strong dependences of the external shapes of lead and bismuth telluride crystals grown under conditions close to equilibrium on the deviation from stoichiometric composition have been investigated. Auger-analysis of lead telluride and its solid solutions indicates the change in the character of bonding in the subsurface layers connected with appearence of smooth faces not belonging to the equilibrium shapes of pure substances. The surface phase existance has been explained on basis of statistical thermodynamics within the framework of the Guttman model and due to the formation of „the crystalline”︁ impurity complexes in a layer medium in contact with the growing crystal surface. Particles attachment to the crystal under these conditions proceeds in two stages, which facilitates crystal growth.     

Thermoluminescence studies of Al2O3 crystals doped with Cobalt impurity

Thermoluminescence (TL) studies of cobalt-doped Al₂O₃ crystals irradiated with X-rays have shown that the TL glow curve consists of three peaks at 105, 195 and 260°C. Bleaching, annealing and quanching studies have been performed in order to understand the nature of colour centers responsible for the formation of the three peaks. The values of the fundamental parameters like trap depth and frequency factor are estimated from TL data and the results obtained are discussed.     

Temperature variation of lattice parameter and thermal expansion of TmAl2

The lattice parameter of TmAl₂ has been measured from room temperature to 637 K using CuKα-radiation. The data have been used to evaluate the coefficient of thermal expansion at various temperatures. It was found that the lattice parameter increases while the coefficient of expansion remains constant throughout the range of temperature studied.     

The effect of divalent impurity state on the microhardness of NaCl crystals

The microhardness and bulk density variations with annealing temperature have been measured in NaCl crystals doped with Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Pb²⁺. Both characteristics are not affected by coherent metastable precipitation while incoherent precipitation produces either hardening or softening depending on the impurity phase type (stable or metastable). The results support the suggestion that aggregates and coherent precipitates are cut through by dislocations whereas incoherent precipitates are by-passed via the Orowan looping mechanism.     

Influence of La3+ ions on growth and NLO properties of KDP single crystals

Single crystals of pure and Lanthanum added KDP crystals were grown from aqueous solution. The influence of La³⁺ ions in KDP crystals is studied. Isolated centers are formed by La³⁺ ions in KDP structure along (100) plane. La³⁺ ions incorporated into superficial crystal growth layer and slightly affect the growth process as they generate weak lattice stresses. The creation of these weak lattice stress is confirmed by Vickers's micro hardness test. The HRXRD analysis showed reduced structural defects in the La added KDP in the (100) plane than pure KDP. The incorporation of La in the crystal was confirmed by EDAX analysis. The Kurtz's powder SHG efficiency was found to be 1.5 times that of pure KDP. The UV‐Vis transmission spectra of La added KDP showed excellent transmittance from 1100 nm to 340 nm and did not show any change in lower cutoff wavelength with respect to pure KDP. Laser damage threshold value has been determined using Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm and with 65 ns pulses in single shot mode. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Solvus of KCI:Pb2+ Solid Solution from Flotation Measurements of Single Crystal Density

The solvus of KCl:Pb²⁺ is found in the concentration range from 1.6 × 10⁻² to 8 × 10⁻² mol.% at temperatures ranging from 450 to 250 °C. The decomposition of the solid solution after various regimes of heat treatment is judged by a change in the crystal density determined by the flotation technique.     

Growth and spectral investigations of oxide laser crystals with Pr3+ ions

The main types of inhomogeinity in rhombic aluminate crystals doped with Pr³⁺ ions arise from light scattering particles and lattice defects causing colour center formation under short wavelength radiation. It is shown that additional electron and hole traps (iron and praseodimium ions) change the direction of processes of charge carrier release and capture as compared with the case of pure crystals.     

Effect of Nd3+ on the growth and quality of KDP crystals

KDP crystals were rapidly grown from solutions doped with different Nd³⁺ concentrations. During the growth process, “foggy” inclusions were selectively captured in the pyramidal sector of KDP crystal and hourglass shaped crystals were obtained. It is found that the nonuniform distribution of Nd³⁺ ions causes remarkable differences in optical quality between prismatic and pyramidal sectors. With increasing Nd³⁺ concentration, the optical quality is greatly decreased for pyramidal sectors, while the change is not so obvious for prismatic sectors. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effect of oxygen impurities on recombination luminiscence in some alkali halide crystals

The low-energy emission spectra of nominally pure NaCl, KCl, KBr, and KI crystals are examined at different electron beam densities and at temperatures between 80 and 300 K. The results obtained for the crystals of the same chemical formula but with different OH⁻ contents, or subjected to the action of the air atmosphere, show that the emission bands considered are related with the presence of oxygen ions formed during radiolysis of such impurities like OH⁻ or H₂O. The decay of pertinent emission observed at higher radiation doses is explained by the transformation of simple oxygen ions into the neutral, inactive O₂-molecules.     

Effects of annealing on the lattice parameter of polycrystalline CdS thin films

Cubic CdS (β‐CdS) polycrystalline thin films were prepared on glass substrates by chemical synthesis at 80 °C. Samples were subjected to thermal treatments (TT) in the range of temperatures (T) 180 – 500 °C during 30 hours in different ambients. Annealing in air and in H₂ produces in CdS larger lattice parameter enlargements (≤2.5 %) when T of TT increases up to T ≤ 500 °C. Whereas, annealing in Ar + S₂ and vacuum provokes intermediate (≤1.2 %) and smaller (≤0.9 %) maxima values of the lattice parameter increments, respectively. Energy band gap (E_g) as a function of T of TT and as a function of the lattice parameter has been also studied where it was observed that E_g behaves in very different manners depending on the ambient chosen for annealing. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)