Evidence for the formation of two types of oxygen interstitials in neutron-irradiated α-AlO single crystals.

Due to unique optical/mechanical properties and significant resistance to harsh radiation environments, corundum (α-AlO) is considered as a promising candidate material for windows and diagnostics in forthcoming fusion reactors. However, its properties are affected by radiation-induced (predominantly, by fast neutrons) structural defects. In this paper, we analyze thermal stability and recombination kinetics of primary Frenkel defects in anion sublattice - the F-type electronic centers and complementary oxygen interstitials in fast-neutron-irradiated corundum single crystals.

Atomic, electronic and magnetic structure of an oxygen interstitial in neutron-irradiated AlO single crystals.

A single radiation-induced superoxide ion [Formula: see text] has been observed for the first time in metal oxides. This structural defect has been revealed in fast-neutron-irradiated (6.9×10 n/cm) corundum (α-AlO) single crystals using the EPR method.

Distinctive features of diffusion-controlled radiation defect recombination in stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel single crystals and transparent polycrystalline ceramics.

MgAlO spinel is important optical material for harsh radiation environment and other important applications. The kinetics of thermal annealing of the basic electron (F, F) and hole (V) centers in stoichiometric MgAlO spinel irradiated by fast neutrons and protons is analyzed in terms of diffusion-controlled bimolecular reactions. Properties of MgAlO single crystals and optical polycrystalline ceramics are compared.