12-15 July 2011
Saint George Hotel
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

Thermoluminescence Study of Long Persistent CaAl<sub>2</sub >O<sub>4</sub>:Eu<sup>2+</sup>, Nd<sup>3+</sup> and/or Dy<sup>3+</sup>.

13 Jul 2011, 17:00
2h
Asteria

Asteria

Poster Presentation Track A - Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science Poster1

Speaker

Mr Ali Wako (University Of The Free State, QwaQwa Campus.)

Description

It is evident that the Eu2+ ion acts as a luminescent centre emitting in the blue (λmax ~ 440 nm) spectral region for CaAl2O4:Eu2+. The R3+ ion is believed to act as a trap or somehow modify the trap properties in these phosphors. Despite a large number of research on the phenomenon the mechanism of the persistent luminescence of the CaAl2O4:Eu2+,R3+ materials has not been well presented. The theories that have so far been put forward are generally contradictory therefore much less agreement exists on the role of the R3+ co-dopant. New emerging applications for the long phosphorescent materials such as radiation detection and sensors for structural damage, fracture of materials and temperature, require the exact luminescence mechanisms and the identification of the trap levels/locations. Analysis of the thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves is one of the most significant ways to measure the number and also the activation energy of the trapping levels in these materials. In the present study the TL properties of the Eu2+, R3+ doped CaAl2O4:Eu2+, Nd3+/Dy3+ were investigated above room temperature. The trap depths were estimated with the aid of the peak shape method. The glow curve of CaAl2O4:Eu2+ with a first peak at 50 °C was found to correspond to several traps. The Nd3+ and Dy3+ ions were observed to greatly enhance the intensity of the high-temperature TL peaks and also form most of the traps suitable for intense and long-lasting persistent luminescence. The trap- depths and the R3+ or R2+ level positions did not exhibit any well defined relationship. The traps may thus involve more complex mechanisms than the simple charge transfer to (or from) the R3+ ions.

Consider for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)? Yes
Level (Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD, other)? M.Sc
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)? Yes

Primary author

Mr Ali Wako (University Of The Free State, QwaQwa Campus.)

Co-authors

Prof. Francis Dejene (University of The Free State) Prof. Hendrik Swart (University of The Free State)

Presentation Materials