The multiple inter-conversion of E' centers and peroxy radicals was observed for the first time by means of anneal-interrupted X-irradiation. It was shown that each of these defects could serve as the precursor of the other. During thermal annealing, an E' center could convert to a peroxy radical; due to the capture of an O molecule. Under irradiation, the peroxy radical could convert to an E' center; due to the irradiation-induced release of O. The defect production and annealing results could be described in terms of simple stretched-exponential defect-reaction kinetics.

L.Zhang, V.A.Mashkov, R.G.Leisure: Physical Review Letters, 1995, 74[9], 1605-8