Mechanoluminescence, thermoluminescence and photoluminescence studies on Al2O3:Tb phosphors

► Polycrystalline Tb doped Al2O3 phosphor was easily synthesized by the combustion technique. ► ML was excited by dropping a load on to the sample. ► Optimum ML, TL and PL have been obtained for the sample having 0.5 mol% of Tb3+ in Al2O3 phosphor. ► Principal PL emission was observed in green region, suitable for commonly used photomultiplier tube.