Electronic energy relaxation and luminescence decay dynamics of Eu 3+ in Zn 2SiO 4:Eu 3+ phosphors

Abstract

Electronic energy relaxation and decay dynamics of Eu 3+ in Zn 2SiO 4:Eu 3+ phosphors display evidence of intra-ion energy transfer from the 5D 1 to the 5D 0 manifold. The energy transfer timescale does not depend on Eu 3+ concentration, or the addition of Mn 2+ as a co-dopant and is estimated to be about 11 μs in Zn 2SiO 4. Evidence for intra-ion Eu 3+ electronic energy transfer has also been observed in Eu-doped MgS as well as Eu 3+ encapsulated in zeolite-Y. The energy transfer timescale in these other materials is shorter than in Zn 2SiO 4, most likely due to differences in Eu 3+ surroundings or site symmetry.