Electronically induced modification of atomic solids and their relaxation probed by luminescence methods

A role of the electronic excitations in a modification of the structural properties of atomic solids is considered by the example of solid Ar. The studies were performed employing a wide array of luminescence methods: cathodoluminescence (CL), photoluminescence (PL), measurement of excitation spectra and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) in combination with thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE). Analysis of the luminescence band shape, their excitation spectra and temporal evolution under excitation evidenced the formation and accumulation of the permanent lattice defects (Frenkel pairs). A key part of the exciton self-trapping into molecular states in the defect formation is demonstrated and model of electronically induced lattice defects is discussed.