On the nature of changes in the optical characterization produced in sapphire on its irradiation with a pulsed powerful stream of hydrogen ions

Abstract

Changes in the optical characteristics in synthetic sapphire specimens produced by microsecond pulse irradiation with a stream of hydrogen ions of energies ranging up to tens keV have been observed. Data on decrease in the optical reflection, measured within the wavelength range of 200−900 nm, are presented. This characterization is compared with the data received by optical and atomic force microscopy as well as by lattice structure analysis performed with X-rays. The measurements indicate that the changes of optical parameters are not a consequence of absorption increase and/or sapphire decomposition. They result from modifications of the morphology and structure of surface layer of the sapphire samples, induced by irradiation.