Radiation-induced coloration of lithium carbonate crystals

For the first time it is reported on creation of intrinsic color centers in lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) crystals. The color centers in pure crystals were produced by gamma-irradiation (by doses of 105-107 R). Spectra of absorption and photoluminescence of radiation-induced color centers in the near UV and visible spectrum regions are presented. An assumption is made that the discussed earlier intrinsic luminescence of Li2CO3 crystals with the VUV excitation is connected with neglected coloration of crystals. The stability of wide bands of absorption and emission in the investigated crystals allows one to state a problem on studying the practical usefulness of Li2CO3 crystals with color centers in particular, for aims of quantum electronics