Fundamental processes of radiation energy storage in KDP (KH2PO4) and ADP (NH4H2PO4) crystals

The paper presents the results of a study of radiation energy storage, radi ation effects, and radiation induced changes of optical properties in cryst als KH2PO4 (KDP), (NH4)H2PO4 (ADP), and crystals KDP doped with either deut erium (KDP : D) or Cr (KDP:Cr). Both the X-rays and H+ (0.71 MeV), He+ (4.6 and 27 MeV), N+ (16 MeV) ion beams were used for irradiation of the crysta ls studied. Optical absorption spectra of KDP were measured after irradiati on with various H+ ion beam doses, and accumulation of the radiation-induce d defects was estimated. Considerations of the radiation effects in these c rystals under irradiation with the ion beams were made taking into account the results of Monte Carlo simulations using the TRIM computer codes. Using the experimental and theoretical results the paper discusses the similarit ies and differences of these crystals with respect to radiation hardness an d the processes of radiation energy storage. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.