Luminescence and afterglow in CaTiO3:Pr3+ films deposited by spray pyrolysis

The structural and optical properties of films of CaTiO3:Pr3+ deposited by a spray method are investigated. These films show lower afterglow efficiency than the powdered sample of same composition. To understand this behavior, the possible trapping centers and afterglow mechanisms in CaTiO3:Pr3+ are revisited. It is concluded that the lower afterglow of films is due to a lower number of absorbing and emitting centers per illuminated surface unit.