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Effects of Irradiation on the Electrical Properties of Alpha-Quartz Crystals
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
Abstract
A study is made of irradiation effects on α-quartz crystals using the techniques of electrical conductivity and dielectric loss measurements. The initial radiation-induced conductivity (RIC) induced by X-ray irradiation over the temperature range from 94 to 250 K is found to have a nearly constant activation energy of 0.29 ± 0.02 eV. Since a large RIC still results from irradiation at temperatures too low for alkalis to be liberated, it is proposed that the RIC is due to holes (as small polarons) rather than to alkalis. The dielectric loss measurements in Na-swept quartz are used to follow the changes in the relaxation peaks due to the Al-Na defect as a function of radiation dose and annealing. At the same time a low-temperature “irradiation peak” is studied. Restoration of the main Al-Na peak during annealing occurs in two stages: one near 500 K and the other above 600 K. From the observed behavior of the irradiation peak in various crystals, it is concluded that this peak is probably due to alkali centers. Finally, a defect model interpreting the two annealing stages is presented.
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1986
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