The study of the influence of γ-irradiation on LiF crystals by optical, electrical and mechanical characteristics

The influence of the dose of γ‐irradiation on some physical properties (storage of colour centres, ionic conductivity, microhardness) in LiF crystals differing in oxygen content is studied. It is found out that optical, electrical and mechanical characteristics change nonmonotonously with an increase in dose of γ‐irradiation in the range from 104 to 107 J per kg. Maxima and minima are revealed on all the three dependencies, indicating a periodie construction and redistribution of radiation defects during the change of the absorbed dose. Oxygen impurity enhanced the colouring of LiF crystals, significantly reduced the conductivity, caused mechanical softening and intensified the secondary radiation processes having qualitatively changed the behaviour of electrical and mechanical properties with an increase in irradiation dose. Russian text ignored