Optimization of persistent luminescence via dopant concentration in LiNbO3

Manipulating the concentrations of magnesium ions was found to be an effective strategy to tune persistent luminescence in lithium niobite crystals. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra indicated that the dopant concentration exhibits a significant regulating effect toward the photoluminescent properties of LiNbO3 crystals. A series of thermoluminescence experiments revealed that the electron trap depths played a crucial role in persistent luminescence. Computational analysis based on DFT method elucidated the changes of defect structures in co-doped Mg2+:Pr3+:LiNbO3 crystals as the doping concentration varies. A dynamic model was proposed to explain the variation of afterglow luminescence intensity with doping concentration.