Fracto‐mechanoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of UV and γ‐irradiated Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ phosphor

Ce 3+ ‐doped calcium aluminosilicate phosphor was prepared by a combustion‐assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600°C. Structural characterization was carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectra of Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ showed an absorption edge at 230 nm. The optical characterization of Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ phosphor was investigated in a fracto‐mechanoluminescence (FML) and thermoluminescence (TL) study. The peak of ML intensity increased as the height of impact of the moving piston increased. The TL intensity of Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ was recorded for different exposure times of UV and γ‐irradiation and it was observed that TL intensity was maximum for a UV irradiation time of 30 min and for a γ‐dose of 1180 Gy. The TL intensity had three peaks for UV irradiation at temperatures 82°C, 125°C and 203°C. Also the TL intensity had a single peak at 152°C for γ‐irradiation. The TL and ML emission spectra of Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ phosphor showed maximum emission at 400 nm. The possible mechanisms involved in the TL and ML processes of the Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Ce 3+ phosphor are also explained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.