Kinetics of lattice defects induced in lithium fluoride crystals during irradiation with swift ions at room temperature

Rate equations are employed to the kinetic description of lattice defects, created in lithium fluoride by ion irradiation. The F centers are assumed to be created in a mobile state (anion vacancies or excited F* centers), having a certain relaxation time to become stable at room temperature. Concentrations of the F centers and their aggregates are analyzed depending on the irradiation conditions and model parameters. Comparison of the swift ion and electron/gamma irradiations using the suggested model captures the prominent experimental results of a higher complex defect fraction, which created under irradiation with the heavier projectiles.