Charge conversion of uranium ions in CaF2

Single crystals of CaF₂ doped with uranium ions exhibiting a light red colour have been grown in an inert atmosphere. ESR spectra belonging to U³⁺ centers unstable at room temperature could be observed only after UV-irradiation at liquid nitrogen temperature. The formation and annealing of these centers as well as the optical absorption date indicate that a new charge conversion mechanism is effective in such crystals.