Long afterglow in Pr3+ and Li+ co-doped CaZrO3

A new phosphor CaZrO3:Li,Pr was synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction method. The luminescent properties and thermoluminescence curves were investigated. Long afterglow was observed in the CaZrO3:Li,Pr after excitation by 254 nm light, and the duration can reach nearly 3 h in the light perception of dark-adapted human eyes (0.32 mcd/m2). The main emission peak was ascribed to Pr3+ ions transition from 3P0 → 3H4, and the afterglow may be ascribed to the suitable trap centers enhanced by the introduction of Li+ in the CaZrO3host lattice. Further more, the mechanism of the afterglow was discussed.