Synthesis, characterization, and luminescence studies of rare-earth-activated NaMgF3

NaMgF3-based phosphors have been described frequently in the literature. Their synthesis faces difficulties typical of fluoride materials. A simple precipitation synthesis for NaMgF3-based phosphors is described in this paper. This consisted of mixing aq. NaF and MgCl2/MgSO4 solutions. Various activators could be incorporated by adding the required salts during this process. Characteristic emission of the activators was observed in the prepared phosphors. As-prepared samples exhibited predominantly trivalent lanthanide emission. After thermal treatment in a reductive atmosphere, europium-doped samples showed the intense emission of Eu2+. By virtue of the intense nature of the emission, lifetime measurements could be made for this sample. Notably, intense thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence were observed in NaMgF3:Eu. A simple, fast method for the synthesis of NaMgF3 was therefore developed.