Mechanism of void growth in irradiated NaCl based on exiton-induced formation of divacancies at dislocations

We propose a mechanism of void growth in di-atomic ionic crystals due to agglomeration of divacancies produced by interactions between dislocations and excitons. An exciton can cause movement of nearby dislocation jogs, resulting in the creation of equal numbers of anion and cation vacancies (Schottky defects). Owing to the heat generated locally during the exciton annihilation, the jog can be displaced while a divacancy arises in the lattice. Subsequent diffusion and agglomeration of divacancies can result in void formation and growth. We evaluate the void nucleation and growth rates in electron irradiated NaCl.