Persistent luminescence induced by near infra-red photostimulation in chromium-doped zinc gallate for in vivo optical imaging

The analysis of the optical spectroscopy of the Cr3+ doped spinel was initiated by Prof. Georges Boulon more than twenty years ago. More recently persistent luminescence nanoparticles of Cr doped zinc gallate have found interest for in vivo imaging of small animals. Here we evaluated near infra-red (NIR) excitation (or NIR photostimulation) via photo-transfer mechanism as an additional tool for in vivo optical imaging. Investigation of the persistent luminescence induced by NIR photostimulation is studied after either a primary UV (band-to-band excitation) or visible irradiation (direct Cr 3d-3d excitation). UV or visible pre-excited ZnGa2O4:Cr (ZGO:Cr) nanoparticles are kept active during several days thanks to deep traps (with depths 1 eV-1.2 eV) observed in these samples which can be probed through thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) technique showing glow curve maximums at 470 K and 530 K upon visible light excitation. These deep traps are stable at room temperature but can be emptied by NIR light photostimulation. Experiments were carried out to study the photostimulation induced trapping-detrapping in the ZGO:Cr phosphor. Photostimulation was also tested in vivo for small animal optical imaging to offer new perspectives and modalities.