Luminescent colour modulation of a multicolour praseodymium activated phosphor

Abstract A phosphor is a material that emits luminescence under stimuli. A 4 f -4 f RE 3+ ion commonly shows an invariable luminescent colour due to the shielding of outer electrons. Here, a multicolour Pr 3+ -activated phosphor is developed. The luminescent colour of Pr 3+ in the phosphor can be modulated from red to white. This investigation reveals that this modulation essentially corresponds to the different relaxation pathways of Pr 3+ levels in low-phonon-energy hosts. Based on the specific characteristics of the phosphor, a multicolour image is fabricated for application in anticounterfeiting.