Experimental and theoretical study of mechanoluminescence and lyoluminescence of Li sub(3)PO sub(4): RE (RE=Dy and Tb) phosphors

Li sub(3)PO sub(4) phosphors prepared by solid-state diffusion technique and lyoluminescence (LL) as well as mechanoluminescence (ML) studies are reported. Dy- and Tb-activated phosphors show dosimetric characteristics using LL and ML techniques. The energy levels and hence trapping and detrapping of charge carriers in the material can be studied using ML. Li sub(3)PO sub(4) phosphor can be used in the dosimetric applications for ionizing radiation. By using the LL technique, the LL characteristics of Li sub(3)PO sub(4) may be useful for high radiation doses. We also report a more detailed theoretical understanding of the mechanism of LL and ML. Copyright copyright 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.