Effect of Dy ions on optical properties of Sr0.985-x Al2O4: EU2+0.015DYx3+ phosphors

A series of long persistent phosphors Sr(0.985-x) Al(2)O(4) : Eu(0.015)(2+)DY(x)(3+) (X=0.000, 0.010, 0.020, 0.030, 0.040) were prepared through a combustion method at 600 degrees C. We found that all the series of samples have good long afterglow properties by the naked eye. Then we use the laser to stimulate phosphors at 325nm, and their emission spectrums were tested by a spectrograph. We can found that the main emission peaks of all samples are all results from the 4f(6)5d -> 4f(7) (8S(7/2)) transition of Eu(2+) instead of the 4f(7) (6P(7/2)) -> 4f(7) (8S(7/2)) transition of Eu(2+) ions located about 515nm. In addition, the afterglow characteristic of all samples was investigated. Our results show that each decay curve consists of a rapid decay part followed by a long slow one and all samples have the same afterglow mechanism. And the Dy ions play an important role on the afterglow process.