Electron-Beam-Stimulated Formation of Luminescent Carbon Complexes in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

The change in the intensity of cathodoluminescence of hexagonal boron nitride in the short-wavelength spectral region upon electron beam excitation is investigated. It is shown that the intensity of the peak at a wavelength of 215 nm, associated with the band-to-band transitions, decreases during electron excitation and tends to a stationary value, whereas the intensity of the peak at 320 nm increases under electron irradiation. This band is likely caused by the formation of luminescence centers under electron irradiation.