Optical detection of magnetic field with Mn4+:K2SiF6 phosphor from room to liquid helium temperatures

An optical method for detecting magnetic fields is developed based on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of a Mn4+:K2SiF6 phosphor. Under excitation by a 457-nm argon laser, strong red PL was observed in Mn4+:K2SiF6 microcrystals from room to liquid helium temperatures. The Lande factor (g) of the Zeeman splitting peaks remained close to 2 within the measured temperature range. These features make this Mn4+:K2SiF6 phosphor an idea optical material for remote sensing of high magnetic fields over a broad temperature range.