Identification of Atomic Defects Due to Radiation in Non-linear Optical Crystals Used for Space-based Laser Systems

Solar and cosmic radiation leads to the appearance of defects in nonlinear optical materials and to inevitable performance degradation of laser devices.  A replacement of these devices is very expensive or even impossible for many spacecrafts.  A study of radiation defects is the only way for an understanding of degradation mechanisms, for an estimation of the lifetime of the crystals in a space environment, and for a possible reducing of the radiation damage of the laser systems.  Most radiation defects are of atomic size:  electron and hole traps, vacancies, interstitial ions.  Since they are paramagnetic (or can be recharged to a paramagnetic state), the magnetic resonance methods are most suitable methods for the study of such point defects.

This research project will investigate thermal stability of radiation defects in nonlinear optical crystals with the help of the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Electron Nuclear Double Resonance (ENDOR).  The PI's Varian spectrometer will be adapted for high-temperature measurements and for combined EPR-optical experiments to register changes of physical properties after irradiation and to estimate the lifetime of the crystals in a space environment.

Contact Information

Mail:	Galina Malovichko
	Physics Department
	Montana State University
	Bozeman, MT 59717