An infrared absorption study of electron trapping in proton-irradiated solid deuterium below 12 K

A new absorption feature has been observed in the infrared spectrum of solid deuterium under proton irradiation. This absorption, which appears only below 12 K, is attributed to allowed transitions of electrons in traps in the solid polycrystal. The growth and decay of the absorption relative to the time of initiation and termination of the proton beam has been examined and related to the proton current density. Additionally, the temperature dependence of the spectrum has been examined. The relation of the phenomenon to other proton beam-induced features of the infrared spectrum is discussed.