Luminescence properties of sodalite-type Zn4B6O13:Mn2+

Luminescence properties of sodalite Zn4B6O13:Mn2+ are investigated by optical and laser excitation spectroscopy in the temperature range 10 - 300 K. The samples of Zn4B6O13:Mn2+ are prepared in the carbon reducing atmosphere. The green emission at 540 nm are observed in Zn4B6O13:Mn2+ for various Mn2+ concentration. Optimum Mn2+ concentration and critical distances between Mn2+ ions in Zn4B6O13 are obtained by the luminescence intensity as functions of Mn2+ concentration. The decays of Mn2+ emission depend strongly on Mn2+ concentration due to the energy transfer and energy diffusion in Zn4B6O13:Mn2+. The fine structures consisting of the intense zero phonon line (ZPL) and weak vibrational sidebands are observed at low temperature. The relevant mechanism of excitation bands, ZPL, vibrational sidebands and the bandwidth as functions of temperature are interpreted in detail by energy level diagram of the 3d5 transition metal ions and configuration coordinated diagram. The high thermal stability of the Zn4B6O13:Mn2+ phosphor are observed in the temperature range 10-300 K.