MgAl2O4:Cr3+ luminescence thermometry probe in the physiological temperatures range

Abstract Temperature sensing from the photoluminescence of MgAl2O4:Cr3+ ceramic powder is systematically investigated. Material was prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis method. In this host, Cr3+ experiences the strong crystal field, so the overlapping emissions from 2E and 4T2 energy levels are observed. Emission and excitation spectra were recorded from 300 K to 540 K. The broad photoluminescence attributed to 4T2→4A2 emission gains in intensity with increase in temperature on account of 2E→4A2 emission intensity until 460 K when both emissions start quenching. The emissions were separated by deconvolution at each temperature and used for the luminescence intensity ratio temperature readout method. The obtained relative sensitivity exhibited high values in the physiological range, from 3.5 %K−1 at 300 K to 2.9 %K−1 at 330 K, above 2 %K−1 below 400 K and above 1 %K−1 between 400 K and 540 K.