Luminescence properties of a new red long-lasting phosphor: Mg2SiO4:Dy3+, Mn2+

The red long-lasting phosphor Mg2SiO4:Dy3+, Mn2+ was prepared by solid state reaction, the luminescence and afterglow properties of which were investigated. The emission spectrum of Mg2SiO4:Mn2+ shows a broad band centered at about 650 nm, which is attributed to the 4T1(4G) → 6A1(6S) transitions of Mn2+ ions occupying two nonequivalent Mg2+ sites. The excitation bands of 650 nm emission in near ultraviolet and visible region were assigned. Mg2SiO4:Mn2+ samples co-doped with Dy3+ show higher initial phosphorescence intensity and longer afterglow time than Mn2+ doped ones. Both of them represent red afterglow. In addition, investigation of the effects of Dy3+ ions in co-doped samples was conducted, indicating that Dy3+ ions serve as trap centers.