Cathodoluminescence mapping and thermoluminescence of Pr3+ doped in a CaTiO3/CaGa2O4 composite phosphor

In order to probe the properties of the one pot prepared composite phosphor of CaTiO3 and CaGa2O4, cathodoluminescence mapping, thermoluminescence and lifetime measurements were carried out. The structural study showed both irregular and rod shaped particles, which match with CaTiO3 and CaGa2O4, respectively, according the x-ray maps. The cathodoluminescence spectrum showed emission peaks from 3P0→3H4 and 1D2→3H4 transitions, with the earlier transition completely absent in CaTiO3:Pr emission at room temperature. The diffuse reflectance spectrum showed a shifted band of the inter-valence charge transfer from 360 nm to 388 nm, which is not observable for CaTiO3:Pr3+and CaGa2O4:Pr3+. Additionally, the phosphorescence decay curve was recorded and the presence of electron trapping centers was confirmed using thermoluminescence spectroscopy.