Abstract:
This study investigated the optical absorption and mechanical behavior of Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG) single crystals exposed to fast 84 Kr ions at fluences ranging from 1013 to 1014 ion/cm2. We observed that the optical absorption spectra of GGGs grown using the Czochralski method feature distinct narrow lines in the UV spectrum, attributable to the 4f-4f transitions in Gd3+. Clear changes were identified from the 6S 7/2 base state to
the 6P, 6J, and 6D states within the Gd3+ cation. An unexpected absorption band was also detected at 350 nm,
likely resulting from unintentional Ca contamination. After ion exposure, the fundamental absorption edge
shifted by approximately 30 nm towards the longer-wavelength section of the spectrum. Our hardness tests
indicated a softening effect post-ion exposure, possibly linked to ion-triggered amorphization.
