Enhanced persistent luminescence of LiGa 5 O 8 :Cr 3+ near-infrared phosphors by codoping Sn 4+

The near-infrared (NIR) long persistent phosphors LiGa5O8:Cr3+ have attracted considerable attention owing to the potential applications in medical imaging. A series of novel LiGa5O8:Cr3+ phosphors with different Sn4+ concentrations were successfully prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of codoping Sn4+ on photoluminescence, long persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence properties were systematically investigated. The results showed the persistent luminescence performance of phosphors was significantly enhanced after the incorporation of Sn4+ ions. Thermoluminescence spectra indicated that the incorporation of Sn4+ contributes to the formation of defects and increase the traps density, thus improving the persistent luminescence properties of LiGa5O8:Cr3+ phosphors.