Enhancement of 3d‐Electron Transitions in Neutron‐Irradiated MgO:Mn²⁺ Crystals

Abstract

Abstract A study of optical absorption of 3d‐electrons in neutron‐irradiated MgO:Mn 2+ crystals is made. Intensity enhancements and energy shifts of spin‐forbidden optical transitions of Mn 2+ ions are observed in samples as‐irradiated and after heat treatments. An investigation of thermal properties of optical absorption for Mn 2+ ions and F centres in the irradiated MgO:Mn 2+ indicates the presence of two types of defects associated with F centres. These defects are accounted for as an interstitial‐Mn 2+ –F center complex and a Mn 2+ –F centre complex. The origin of the optical transition enhancement and energy shifts are attributed to both, an exchange interaction of Mn 2+ ions with F‐center electrons and a parity‐forbidden removal caused from symmetry changes due to the formation of above described complexes.