  Charge centers in ionic crystals provide a channel for elementary interaction
between electromagnetic radiation and the lattice. We calculate the electronic
ground state energies which are needed to create a charge center -- namely a
$F$- and a $H$-center. In well agreement with common understanding the
$F$-center results in being accompanied by a small lattice distortion whereas
the $H$-center is accompanied by a very large lattice deformation. Opposite to
the common understanding the additional positive charge in the charge center
results rather to be localized on a F$_4^{3-}$ complex than on a
F$_2^-$-complex. From the ground states of the charge centers we derive binding
energies, diffusion barriers and agglomeration energies for $M$-center
formation. These microscopic quantities are of fundamental interest to
understand the dynamic processes which are initiated if the crystals interact
with extreme intense deep ultra violet radiation. We further derive the
equilibrium concentrations of charge centers in grown crystals.
