Application of secondary ion mass spectrometer for measuring the diffusion profiles in alkali-halide crystals

Abstract

Depth profiles of magnesium, fluorine and oxygen impurities was examined in the surface layers of alkali-halide KBr crystals using method of secondary ion mass spectrometry. Samples of potassium bromide, coated with a surface film of magnesium fluoride were subjected to isothermal diffusion annealing in air at various times. It is shown that the diffusion of O ions occurs from the ambient atmosphere besides the diffusion of Mg and F ions during annealing of KBr crystals. Accurate estimation of the diffusion coefficients of cationic impurity Mg requires taking into account the possible interaction of this impurity and oxygen.