Thermal stability of some radiation damage products in X-irradiated NaClO3

Single crystals of sodium chlorate have been exposed to X-rays, at 77 K. Thermoluminescence glow curves of the irradiated crystals have been recorded from 77 to 400 K. Optical absorption spectra and electron spin resonance spectra of the crystals subjected to radiation damage have also been recorded as a function of radiation dose, and at different stages of thermal annealing between 77 and 400 K. Using the optical and ESR data, the glow peaks at 173, 185, and 249 K have been identified as due to O2− in the vicinity of ClO3, ClO3, itself, and O2− adjacent to ClO2, respectively. The trapping parameters for these centers have been determined.