Photoluminescence and afterglow of Mn2+ doped lithium zinc silicate

Novel green emitting long lasting phosphorescence (LLP) Li1.14Zn1.43SiO4:Mn2+ (LZS: Mn2+) was prepared successfully through a conventional solid-state reaction. Phase purity was checked by X-ray diffraction. The photoluminescence and afterglow properties of as-prepared phosphors were studied systematically by diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, decay curves, afterglow spectra and thermoluminescence glow curves measurements. The photoluminescence spectra and LLP spectra indicated that LZS: Mn2+ phosphors exhibits green emission center at 526 nm originated from 4T1→6A1 transition of Mn2+. The duration of Mn2+ doped Li1.14Zn1.43SiO4 phosphors can last about 1 h. Thermoluminescence glow curves indicated that the LLP of LZS: Mn2+ phosphor was generated by the suitable trap depth. Based on the experimental results, a model was constructed to discuss the mechanism of afterglow briefly.