A Double-Band Emitter with Ultranarrow-Band Blue and Narrow-Band Green Luminescence

Understanding the origin and mechanisms of luminescence is a crucial point when it comes to the development of new phosphors with targeted luminescence properties. Herein, a new phosphor belonging to the substance class of alkali metal lithosilicates with the generalized sum formula Cs_4-x-y-z Rb_x Na_y Li_z [Li₃ SiO₄ ]₄ :Eu²⁺ is reported. Single crystals of the cyan-emitting UCr₄ C₄ -type phosphor show a peculiar double-band luminescence with one ultranarrow emission band at 473 nm and a narrow emission band at 531 nm under excitation with UV light (λ_exc =408 nm). Regarding occupation of the channels by the light metal ions, investigations of single-crystal XRD data led to the assumption that domain formation with distinct lithium- and sodium-filled channels occurs. Depending on which of these channels hosts the activator ion Eu²⁺ , a green or blue emission results. The herein-presented results shed new light on the luminescence process in the well-studied UCr₄ C₄ -type alkali metal lithosilicate phosphors.