Luminescence of defect centers in yttrium–aluminum garnet crystals

Spectral–kinetic properties of the 2.38 eV emission in neutron-irradiated and as-received yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3Al5O12) crystals are investigated. This luminescence band as well as its lifetime and the temperature dependence are analyzed. It is suggested that the 2.38 eV luminescence band is due to the strongly allowed transition of the F+-center in garnet crystals. Possible reasons that may explain the observed temperature dependence of this emission intensity are discussed.