Optical properties of UV-induced color centers in a KY3F10:Ce3+ crystal

The evolution of color centers induced in a KY₃F₁₀:Ce³⁺ crystal by UV radiation has been observed and interpreted. It has been revealed that, initially, the UV irradiation of the KY₃F₁₀:Ce³⁺ crystal induces the formation of color centers predominantly of the F-type, which, in a short time period of about ten minutes, are transformed into complex color centers of the F ₂-type, as well as into impurity color centers. Based on the data obtained, a diagram of energy states of the crystal, dopant, and color centers has been constructed, on which most probable processes that are caused by electronic transitions occurring in the KYF:Ce³⁺ crystal after its UV irradiation have been indicated.