Long-lasting phosphorescence in Ce3+-doped Ca2Al2SiO7 and CaYAl3O7 crystals

Long-lasting phosphorescence is observed in Ce3+-doped Ca2Al2SiO7 (CASM) and CaYAl3O7 (CYAM) crystals at room temperature. UV irradiation at 365 nm produces broadband emissions with peaks at 417 nm for CASM and 425 nm for CYAM, which persist for not less than 1 h after the removal of the irradiating light. Based on the time dependence of the intensity of the phosphorescence, the long-lasting phosphorescence in these crystals is considered to be due to the electron–hole recombination at shallow traps, which occurs by a thermally activated process.