Gamma-rays and excimer laser irradiation effect on YAG crystals

Abstract Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystals grown by Czochralski (CZ) and temperature gradient technique (TGT) methods, were irradiated by γ-rays and excimer laser. Same results were obtained after different irradiations. Absorption peak at 255 nm disappeared and a new broad peak at 370 nm appeared in CZ grown YAG crystals after irradiation. Weak luminescence centering at 404 nm was found after excitation at 370 nm. All results indicated that F-type color centers were formed and Fe 3+ ions changed to Fe 2+ ions in the CZ grown YAG crystals. Absorption spectrum of TGT grown YAG crystals did not change and no luminescence of color center was found after both irradiations.