Observation of color center peaks in calcium fluoride

Alkali halides such as calcium fluoride all have color center defects that absorb light in the visible region. Using a moncochromator equipped, aberration corrected, scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) we recorded spectra showing the time evolution of the generation of F and H centers in calcium fluoride. The final stage of electron beam irradiation is the formation of metallic calcium nanoparticles. High resolution low loss spectra for the Vacuum Ultraviolet region were also recorded.