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.