Detection of defects binding free polarons in colored alkali halide crystals

The assumption has been made that defects binding free polarons in colored alkali halide crystals are F'-center, i.e., defects that slow down the motion of dislocations (photoplastic effect). This assumption has been confirmed by the experiments performed in this study. Thus, the anion vacancy in alkali halide crystals at a low temperature can capture three electrons: two electrons at a deep level (F'-center) and one electron in a bound polaron state. This electron is retained due to the energy gain in the interaction of a local deformation of the polaron and a local deformation surrounding the F'-center, despite the presence of the Coulomb repulsion.