Pulse-induced mechanoluminescence of ultraviolet-irradiated SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy phosphors

The SrAl₂O₄:Eu,Dy phosphors prepared by solid state reaction technique in a reduced atmosphere of 95% Ar+5% H₂ exhibit very intense mechanoluminescence (ML) which can be seen in daylight with naked eye. When the phosphors are deformed by the impact of a low-power electric hammer, initially the ML intensity increases with time, attains a maximum value and then decreases with time. After the threshold pressure, the peak of ML intensity I_m and the total ML intensity I_T increase with the increasing value of the impact pressure. For the ML excited by the pressure pulse of short duration, two decay times of ML are observed; however, for the ML excited by the pressure pulse of long duration, only one decay time is observed. The ML intensity decreases with successive applications of pressure on SrAl₂O₄:Eu,Dy phosphors. For the low applied pressure in the range below the limit of elasticity recovery of ML intensity takes place when the sample is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This fact indicates that the vacant traps produced during the application of pressure pulses get filled during the exposure of the sample to UV light. The ML in the elastic region of SrAl₂O₄:Eu,Dy phosphors can be understood on the basis of the piezoelectrically induced detrapping model. The non-irradiated SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors exhibit ML during the fracture of the compact mass of phosphors whose ML intensity is less when compared to that of the UV-irradiated compact masses. The ML induced by pressure pulses may be useful for determining the magnitude and rise time of unknown pressure pulses and to determine the lifetime of charge carriers in shallow traps.     

Strong mechanoluminescence induced by elastic deformation of rare-earth-doped strontium aluminate phosphors

When rare-earth-doped strontium aluminate phosphor mixed in an epoxy resin, is deformed elastically by applying a uniaxial pressure, then initially the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity increases with time, attains a peak value I_m at a particular time t_m, and later on it decreases with time. After t_m, initially, the ML intensity decreases exponentially at a fast rate and then it decreases exponentially at a slow rate. The ML appears after a threshold pressure and then, initially at low pressure, the peak intensity I_m of ML increases linearly with the magnitude of applied pressure, and for high pressure, I_m increases exponentially with the magnitude of applied pressure. The value of I_m increases linearly with the density of filled hole traps. The ML emission also takes place during the release of applied pressure. There should be a significant effect of temperature on the ML intensity of rare-earth-doped strontium aluminate phosphors. The ML intensity of rare-earth-doped strontium aluminates decreases with successive number of the applications of pressure and the diminished ML intensity can be recovered with the exposure of the samples to UV-radiation. The ML spectra of rare-earth-doped strontium aluminate phosphors are similar to their photoluminescence spectra. As only the piezoelectric-phase of the strontium aluminate phosphors exhibit ML during their elastic deformation, the ML emission can be attributed to the piezoelectrification of the crystals. Considering that the piezoelectric field causes decrease in the trap-depth of the hole traps and, therefore, the holes transferred from traps to the valence band recombine with (Eu¹⁺)^* ions, whereby the Eu²⁺ ions are excited, expressions are derived for different parameters of ML, which are able to satisfactorily explain the experimental results. It is shown that the lifetimes of holes in the shallow traps in stressed and unstressed materials, and the threshold pressure P_t for the ML emission, and other parameters of the ML, can be determined from the ML measurements. Finally, the criteria for tailoring strong elasico-mechanoluminescent materials are explored.     

Transient behaviour of the mechanoluminescence induced by impulsive deformation of fluorescent and phosphorescent crystals

When a crystal is fractured impulsively by the impact of a moving piston, then initially the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity increases quadratically with time, attains a peak value and later on it decreases with time. Considering that the solid state ML and gas discharge ML are excited due to the charging and subsequent production of electric field near the tip of moving cracks, expressions are derived for the transient ML intensity I, time t_m and intensity I_m corresponding to the peak of ML intensity versus time curve, respectively, the total ML intensity I_T, and for fast and slow decays of the ML intensity. It is shown that the decay time for the fast decrease of the ML intensity after t_m, is related to the decay time of the strain rate of crystals, and the decay time of slow decay of ML, only observed in phosphorescent crystals, is equal to the decay time of phosphorescence. The value of t_m decreases with the increasing impact velocity, I_m increases with the increasing impact velocity, and I_T initially increases and then it tends to attain a saturation value for higher values of the impact velocity. The values of t_m, I_m and I_T increase linearly with the thickness, area of cross-section and volume of the crystals, respectively. So far as the rise, attainment of ML peak, and fast decay of ML are concerned, there is no any significant difference in the time-evolution of solid state ML, gas discharge ML, and the ML emission consisting of both the solid state ML and gas discharge ML. From the time-dependence of ML, the values of the time-constant for decrease of the surface area created by the movement of a single crack, the time-constant for the decrease of strain rate of crystals, and the decay time of phosphorescence of crystals can be determined. A good agreement is found between the theoretical and experimental results. The importance of fracto ML induced by impulsive deformation of crystals is discussed.     

Fracto-mechanoluminescence and mechanics of fracture of solids

The present paper explores the correlation between fracto-mechanoluminescence and fracture of solids and thereby provides a clear understanding of the physics of fracto-mechanoluminescence. When a fluorescent or non-photoluminescent crystal is fractured impulsively by dropping a load on it, then initially the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity increases linearly with time, attains a maximum value I_m at a particular time t_m and later on it decreases exponentially with time. However, when a phosphorescent crystal is fractured impulsively by dropping a load on it, then initially the ML intensity increases linearly with time, attains a maximum value I_m at a particular time t_m and later on it decreases initially at a fast rate and then at a slow rate. For low impact velocity the value of t_m is constant, however, for higher impact velocity t_m decreases logarithmally with the increasing impact velocity. Whereas the peak ML intensity I_m increases linearly with the impact velocity, the total ML intensity I_T, initially increases linearly with the impact velocity and then it tends to attain a saturation value for higher values of the impact velocity. The value of t_m increases logarithmally with the thickness of crystals, I_m increases linearly with the area of cross-section of crystals and I_T increases linearly with the volume of crystals. Generally, the ML of non-irradiated crystals decreases with increasing temperature of crystals. Depending on the prevailing conditions the ML spectra consist of either gas discharge spectra or solid state luminescence spectra or combination of the both. On the basis of the rate of generation of cracks and the rate of creation of new surface area of crystals, expressions are derived for the ML intensity and they are found to explain satisfactorily the temporal, spectral, thermal, crystal-size, impact velocity, surface area, and other characteristics of ML. The present investigation may be useful in designing of damage sensors, fracture sensors, ML-based safety management monitoring system, fuse-system for army warheads, milling machine, etc. The present study may be helpful in understanding the processes involved in earthquakes, earthquake lights and mine-failure as they basically involve fracture of solids.     

Mechanoluminescence response to the plastic flow of coloured alkali halide crystals

The present paper reports the luminescence induced by plastic deformation of coloured alkali halide crystals using pressure steps. When pressure is applied onto a γ-irradiated alkali halide crystal, then initially the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity increases with time, attains a peak value and later on it decreases with time. The ML of diminished intensity also appears during the release of applied pressure. The intensity I_m corresponding to the peak of ML intensity versus time curve and the total ML intensity I_T increase with increase in value of the applied pressure. The time t_m corresponding to the ML peak slightly decreases with the applied pressure. After t_m, initially the ML intensity decreases at a fast rate and later on it decreases at a slow rate. The decay time of the fast decrease in the ML intensity is equal to the pinning time of dislocations and the decay time for the slow decrease of ML intensity is equal to the diffusion time of holes towards the F-centres. The ML intensity increases with the density of F-centres and it is optimum for a particular temperature of the crystals. The ML spectra of coloured alkali halide crystals are similar to the thermoluminescence and afterglow spectra. The peak ML intensity and the total ML intensity increase drastically with the applied pressure following power law, whereby the pressure dependence of the ML intensity is related to the work-hardening exponent of the crystals. The ML also appears during the release of the applied pressure because of the movement of dislocation segments and movements of dislocation lines blocked under pressed condition. On the basis of the model based on the mechanical interaction between dislocation and F-centres, expressions are derived for the ML intensity, which are able to explain different characteristics of the ML. From the measurements of the plastico ML induced by the application of loads on γ-irradiated alkali halide crystals, the pinning time of dislocations, diffusion time of holes towards F-centres, the energy gap E_a between the bottom of acceptor dislocation band and the energy level of interacting F-centres, and work-hardening exponent of the crystals can be determined. As in the elastic region the strain increases linearly with stress, the ML intensity also increases linearly with stress, however, as in the plastic region, the strain increases drastically with stress and follows power law, the ML intensity also increases drastically with stress and follows power law. Thus, the ML is intimately related to the plastic flow of alkali halide crystals.     

Persistent mechanoluminescence induced by elastic deformation of ZrO2:Ti phosphors

ZrO₂:Ti phosphors show such a strong mechanoluminescence (ML) that it can be seen in day light with naked eye. When a pellet of ZrO₂:Ti phosphor mixed in epoxy resin is deformed in the elastic region at a fixed strain rate using a testing machine, ML intensity increases linearly with time, and when the deformation is stopped, ML intensity decreases exponentially with time. For a given strain rate, ML intensity increases linearly with pressure, and for a given pressure, ML intensity increases linearly with the strain rate. The total ML intensity, in the deformation region, increases quadratically with pressure; however, the total ML intensity in the post-deformation region increases linearly with pressure. ML intensity decreases with successive number of pressings, whereby the reduced ML intensity can be recovered by UV-irradiation of the sample. ML intensity increases linearly with density of filled electron traps and it is optimum for a particular concentration of Ti in ZrO₂. ML intensity should change with increasing temperature of the phosphors. Although ZrO₂ is non-piezoelectric as a whole, it seems that the local structures near the Ti ions in ZrO₂ crystals are in the piezoelectric phase. The elastico ML in ZrO₂ phosphors can be understood on the basis of the localized piezoelectrification-induced detrapping model. According to this model, the localized piezoelectric field near Ti ions causes detrapping of electrons and subsequently the detrapped electrons moving in the conduction band are captured by the energy state of excited Ti⁴⁺ ions, whereby excited Ti⁴⁺ ions are produced and consequently the decay of excited Ti⁴⁺ ions gives rise to the light emission. The expressions derived on the basis of this model are able to explain satisfactorily the characteristics of ML. The relaxation time of localized piezoelectric charges and the threshold pressure for the ML emission can be determined from ML measurements. The long decay of elastico ML indicates the possibility of exploring persistent elastico ML, which may be useful for the fabrication of dim light sources capable of operating without any external power.     

Mechanoluminescence and thermoluminescence of BaFCl:Sm 2+ and BaFBr:Sm 2+ crystals

The alkaline-earth fluorohalide crystals MFX, where M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb and X=Cl, Br, I, form an important class of materials crystallizing in the PbFCl-type tetragonal structure which is also called the matlockite structure. These compounds have long been of interest because of the various defect species which can be detected by spin resonance and associated techniques. The crystals were prepared by slow cooling of the melt of a stoichiometric mixture of BaF ₂ and the corresponding chloride or bromide under 0.2 bar of ultrapure argon (5N5), often slightly fluorinated. We have studied the mechanoluminescence (ML) of BaFBr:Sm ²⁺ and BaFCl:Sm ²⁺ crystals. It is seen that after the impact of a moving piston, initially the ML intensity increases with time, attains a maximum value and then it decreases with time up to a particular minimum value, and then it increases again, attaining a peak value and finally disappears. The first peak lies in the deformation region and the second peak lies in the post-deformation region. The ML intensity of the BaFCl:Sm ²⁺ crystal is much higher than the ML intensity of the BaFBr:Sm ²⁺ crystal. For different impact velocities, the ML intensity increases with velocity; and the total ML intensity attains a saturation value for higher impact velocities. The total ML intensity increases with the increase in the applied load. It is suggested that the moving dislocation produced during deformation of crystals captures holes from hole-trapped centers (like H centers), and the subsequent radiative recombination of the dislocation holes with electron gives rise to ML. Thermoluminescence (TL) of BaFBr:Sm ²⁺ and BaFCl:Sm ²⁺ crystals was studied after exposure to ultraviolet rays with the help of a TLD reader. The peak of TL for the BaFBr:Sm ²⁺ crystal is found at ～247°C and for BaFCl:Sm ²⁺ crystals at 283°C. The TL intensity initially increases with increase in the UV radiation and then it attains saturation for higher values of UV exposure. The absorption spectrum was recorded with the help of a UV–visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu). The band found at 275 nm was attributed to H centers.     

Mechanoluminescence by impulsive deformation of γ-irradiated Er-doped CaF2 crystals

An impulsive technique has been used for mechanoluminescence (ML) measurements in γ-irradiated Er doped CaF₂ crystals. When the ML is excited impulsively by the impact of moving piston on to γ-irradiated CaF₂:Er crystals, two peaks are observed in ML intensity with time and it is seen that the peak intensities of first and second peaks (I_m1 and I_m2) increase with increasing impact velocity. However the time corresponding to first and second peaks (t_m1 and t_m2) shifts towards shorter time values with increasing impact velocity. It is also seen that the total ML intensity I_Total initially increases with the impact velocity and then it attains a saturation value for higher values of the impact velocity. We have presented a theoretical explanation for the observed results.     

Luminescence induced by elastic deformation of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles

When the thin film of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles deposited on a glass substrate is elastically deformed by applying a load, then initially the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity increases with time, attains a peak value I_m at a particular time t_m, and later on it decreases with time. The rise and decay characteristics of the ML produced during release of the load are also similar to those produced during the application of load. Similar rise, occurrence of peak and then decrease in ML intensity are also found, when the film is deformed impulsively by dropping a steel ball of small mass from a low height; however, in this case, the time durations for the occurrence of ML and decay time of ML are very short. In the cases of loading and impulsive deformation ,after t_m, initially the ML intensity decreases at a fast rate and then at a slow rate, in which the decay time of fast decrease is equal to the time-constant for rise of pressure and the decay time for slow decrease is equal to the relaxation time of the surface charges. In the case of loading, the peak intensity I_m and the total intensity I_T of ML increase quadratically with the magnitude of applied pressure; however, in the case of impulsive deformation, both the I_m and I_T increase linearly with the height through which the ball is dropped on to the sample. In the case of deformation of the samples at a fixed strain rate, I_m should increase linearly with the applied pressure. The elastico ML in ZnS:Mn nanoparticles can be understood on the basis of the piezoelectrically-induced electron detrapping model, in which the local piezoelectric field near the Mn²⁺ centres reduces the trap-depth, and therefore, the detrapping of filled electron traps takes place, and subsequently the energy released non-radiatively during the electron-hole recombination excites the Mn²⁺ centres and de-excitation gives rise to the ML. The equal number of photons emitted during the application of pressure, release of pressure, and during the successive applications of pressure, indicates that the detrapped electron-traps get filled during the relaxation of the surface charges induced by the application and release of pressure because the charge carriers move to reduce the surface charges. On the basis of the piezoelectrically-induced electron detrapping model, expressions are derived for different characteristics of the ML of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles and a good agreement is found between the theoretical and experimental results. The expressions explored for the dependence of ML intensity on several parameters may be useful in tailoring the suitable nanomaterials capable of exhibiting ML during their elastic deformation. The values of the relaxation time of surface charges, time-constant for the rise of pressure, and the threshold pressure can be determined from the measurement of the time-dependence of ML. It seems that the trapping and detrapping of charge carriers in materials can be studied using ML.     

Luminescence properties of cerium-doped di-strontium magnesium di-silicate phosphor by the solid-state reaction method

A series of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:xCe³⁺ (x?=?1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0% and 5.0%) phosphors were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The phosphor with optimum thermoluminescence, photoluminescence and mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The trapping parameters (i.e. activation energy, frequency factor and order of the kinetics) of each synthesized phosphor have been calculated using the peak shape method and the results have been discussed. Under ultraviolet excitation (325?nm), Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:xCe³⁺ phosphors were composed of a broad band peaking at 385?nm, belonging to the broad emission band which emits violet-blue color. Commission International de I’Eclairage coordinates have been calculated for each sample and their overall emission is near violet-blue light. In order to investigate the suitability of the samples for industrial uses, color purity and color rendering index were calculated. An ML intensity of optimum [Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Ce³⁺ (3.0%)] phosphor increases linearly with increasing impact velocity of the moving piston which suggests that these phosphors can be used as fracto-ML-based devices. The time of the peak ML intensity and the decay rate did not change significantly with respect to increasing impact velocity of the moving piston.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Novel Red-Emitting PbNb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>: Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Phosphors

Undoped and PbNb₂O_6:Eu³⁺ (1.0 ≤ x ≤ 6.0 mol%) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C for 3.5 h by the conventional solid state reaction method. Synthesized PbNb₂O₆:Eu³⁺ phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The PL spectra showed series of excitation peaks between 350 and 430 nm due to the 4f–4f transitions of Eu³⁺. For 395.0 nm excitation, emission spectra of Eu³⁺ doped samples were observed at 591 nm (orange) and 614 nm (red) due to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions and ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transitions, respectively. PL analysis results also showed that the emission intensity increased by increasing Eu³⁺ ion content. No concentration quenching effect was observed. The CIE chromaticity color coordinates (x,y) of the PbNb₂O₆:Eu³⁺ phosphors were found to be in the red region of the chromaticity diagram.     

Sol-gel method and luminescence properties of the ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors with different charge compensation

Eu³⁺-doped ZrO₂ phosphors with different charge compensators (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) were prepared by the sol-gel method. The properties of the as-obtained samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, photoluminescence spectra, and decay curve. The results show that ZrO₂:Eu³⁺ phosphors with different charge compensation are mixed phase of tetragonal and monoclinic phase, and the volume fraction of tetragonal phase of ZrO₂:Eu³⁺/Na⁺ phosphor is bigger than the other phosphors. The phosphors can emit strong red light at 606~616 nm (⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂) excited by ultraviolet light (395 nm). Compared with two charge compensation patterns in the ZrO₂:Eu³⁺, it has been found that ZrO₂:Eu³⁺ phosphors used Na⁺ as charge compensator show greatly enhanced red emission under 395 nm excitation and longer luminescence lifetime.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of the red phosphor CaZrO<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> for white light-emitting diode application

Eu³⁺-doped CaZrO₃ phosphor with perovskite-type structure was synthesized by the high temperature solid-state method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometer and UV-vis spectrophotometer, respectively. XRD analysis showed that the formation of CaZrO₃ was at the calcinations temperature of 1400°C. The average diameter of CaZrO₃ with 4 mol% doped-Eu³⁺ was 2μm. The PL spectra demonstrated that CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor could be excited effectively in the near ultraviolet light region (397 nm) and emitted strong red-emission lines at 616 nm corresponding to the forced electric dipole ⁵ D ₀ → ⁷ F ₂ transitions of Eu³⁺. Meanwhile, the light-emitting diode was fabricated with the Ca_0.96ZrO³:Eu_0.04³⁺ phosphor, which can efficiently absorb ∼ 400 nm irradiation and emit red light. Therefore Ca_0.96ZrO₃:Eu_0.04³⁺ may have applications for a near ultraviolet InGaN chip-based white light-emitting diode.     

Luminescent properties and the morphology of SrMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> powders synthesized <Emphasis Type="Italic">via</Emphasis> combining sol-gel and solid-state route

SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ red phosphors were prepared by combining sol-gel and solid-state route. Citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), employed as the chelating agents, were added to the aqueous solutions of metal nitrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescent spectra techniques (PL) were used to characterize the resultant powders. The results indicated the obtained SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors were fine powders with a particle size of 50 nm. The effects of synthesizing conditions were also investigated and optimized, which included the synthesis temperature and the activator concentration on the luminescent intensity. Compared with SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors prepared by Solid-state reaction SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors prepared by combining sol-gel and solid-state route showed appropriate particle size and a higher emission intensity.     

Synthesis and optical properties of red emitting Eu doped CaZrO3 phosphor

Eu³⁺ activated Ca_1−xEu_xZrO₃ (x = 0.01–0.05) phosphor with perovskite structure has been synthesized by sol–gel combustion method. The structure, morphology and optical properties of materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence spectrometry. The XRD results indicate that crystals of CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ belongs to orthorhombic perovskite structure. The phosphors can be effectively excited by UV light and the emission spectra results indicate that red luminescence of CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ due to electric dipole transition ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ at 616 nm is dominant. Thus, these prepared phosphors show remarkable luminescent properties which find applications in display devices.     

Formation of Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> centers in synthesis of CaF<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Eu luminophores

We have studied the effect of CaF₂:Eu luminophore synthesis methods on the charge state of europium. We have shown that Eu³⁺ predominates over Eu²⁺ in samples obtained by coprecipitation of europium with calcium fluoride, and the ratio Eu³⁺/Eu²⁺ grows as the total amount of europium increases. Partial charge conversion of the europium occurs during calcination of the samples, due to changes in the excess fluorine balance. We studied the luminescence, magnetic susceptibility, and EPR of the synthesized samples. We have shown that in a solid solution, europium forms large ordered clusters, determining both the luminescent and the magnetic properties of the material. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 773–779, November–December, 2007.     

Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of M<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>: Eu (M=Sr,Ba) Nanophosphors

A solution combustion route for the synthesis of Eu³⁺-activated M₂V₂O₇ (M = Sr, Ba) and their luminescent properties have been investigated. Structure and luminescent characteristics of Sr₂V₂O₇:Eu³⁺ and Ba₂V₂O₇:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors have been studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrometry and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The incorporation of Eu³⁺ activator in these nanoparticles has been checked by luminescence characteristics. These nanoparticles have displayed red color under a UV source which is due to characteristics transition of Eu³⁺ from ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ at 613 nm in both Sr₂V₂O₇:Eu³⁺ and Ba₂V₂O₇:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors. In addition, the optimal Eu³⁺ - doped contents of Sr_2(1-x)Eu_2xV₂O₇ and Ba_2(1-x)Eu_2xV₂O₇ nanophosphors for both were 4 mol%.     

Development of mechanoluminescence technique for impact studies

A new technique called, mechanoluminescence technique, is developed for measuring the parameters of impact. This technique is based on the phenomenon of mechanoluminescence (ML), in which light emission takes place during any mechanical action on solids. When a small solid ball makes an impact on the mechanoluminescent thin film coated on a solid, then initially the elastico ML (EML) intensity increases with time, attains a maximum value I_m at a particular time t_m, and later on it decreases with time. The contact time T_c of ball, can be determined from the relation T_c=2t_c, where t_c is the time at which the EML emission due to compression of the sample becomes negligible. The area from where the EML emission occurs can be taken as the contact area A_c. The maximum compression h is given by h=A_c/(πr), where r is the radius of the impacting ball, and thus, h can be determined from the known values of A_c and r. The maximum force at contact is given by F_m=(2mU₀)/T_c, where m is the mass of the impacting ball and U₀ is the velocity of the ball at impact. The maximum impact stress σ_m can be obtained from the relation, σ_m=F_m/A_c=(2mU₀)/(T_cA_c). Thus, ML provides a real-time technique for determining the impact parameters such as T_c, A_c, h, F_m and σ_m. Using the ML technique, the impact parameters of the SrAl₂O₄:Eu film and ZnS:Mn coating are determined. The ML technique can be used to determine the impact parameters in the elastic region and plastic region as well as fracture. ML can also be used to determine the impact parameters for the collision between solid and liquid, if the mechanoluminescent material is coated on the surface of the solid. The measurement of fracto ML in microsecond and nanosecond range may provide a tool for studying the fragmentations in solids by the impact. Using the fast camera the contact area and the depth of compression can be determined for different intervals of time.     

Mechanoluminescence and lyoluminescence characterization of Li2BaP2O7:Eu phosphor

In this work mechanoluminescence and lyoluminescence properties of Li₂BaP₂O₇: Eu phosphor are reported. Phosphor was synthesized through high temperature solid state diffusion method. Analysis of phosphor was made through various characterization techniques such as mechanoluminescence (ML), lyoluminescence (LL), x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). It was observed that ML intensity showed good enhancement with variation in time, concentration of dopant Eu, mass of piston and impact velocity. Lyoluminescence intensity was also found to increase with change in time and mass of the sample. Variation in gamma doses imparted to Li₂BaP₂O₇: Eu phosphor was observed to affect both the ML and LL intensities' respectively. Both the ML and LL intensity attain a maximum value I_m at a particular time t_m but afterwards, it decreases and finally disappears. Morphology of Li₂BaP₂O₇: Eu luminescent material was also studied using scanning electron microscope technique. The average particle size in Eu doped lithium barium diphosphate phosphor was around 2 μm.