Neutron-irradiation-induced near-infrared emission in alpha-Al2O3

Near-infrared spectroscopic study of neutron-irradiated -AlO was conducted. Scanning-electron and optical microscopic measurements were also done. Sample irradiated to the fluence of shows strong emission band at 1180, 1700, 1945 and 2225nm. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity of these bands reduced greatly with higher neutron fluences. From reduction of PL intensity, it can be reasonably assumed that nonradiative recombination centres such as extended defects or dislocations may be formed in -AlO after exposing to very high neutron fluences.