Characterisation and Mechanoluminescence studies of Sr2MgSi2O7: Eu2+, Dy3+

Di strontium magnesium silicate phosphor doped with specific concentration of Eu2+ (0.5 mol%) and Dy3+ (1.5 mol%) is prepared using solid state reaction technique. Sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms infrared techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopy was done to see the morphology of prepared sample. Refined lattice parameters and bond lengths were calculated using the refined data. Mechanoluminescence (ML) studies were also done. Sample exhibited fairly good ML properties. ML spectra expressed single peak supports the formation of single emission centre due to transition of Eu2+ ions due to transitions from any of the sublevels of 4f65 d1 configuration to 8S7/2 level of the 4f7 configuration. Semi-log plots of ML were used to calculate ML decay constant. Calculated ML decay constant indicated that it has slow decay which is one of the properties of long lasting phosphors. It was considered that formation of new surface comprising of local and bulk piezoelectricity are responsible for ML emission. This fracto-mechanoluminescent material can be used in the devices like fracture sensor, impact sensor, damage sensors, safety management monitoring system, fuse system for army warheads, etc.