Optically driven ultraviolet-C glowing from an in situ trapping-detrapping approach

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Ultraviolet (UV) luminescent materials are crucial for applications like anticounterfeiting, solar-blind optical tagging, and antibacterial uses.
• Solar-blind UV-C photon surveillance offers advantages in bright environments, but research often ignores ambient light effects on persistent phosphors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of photostimulation on UV luminescent materials, specifically persistent phosphors.
• To reveal the nature of trap energy and modulation in these materials under varying light conditions.

Main Methods:

• An in situ trapping-detrapping experimental procedure was employed.
• Analysis focused on total trap energy and trap modulations post-photostimulation.

Main Results:

• Optically active trapping defects were identified.
• These defects exhibit photostimulated detrapping and retrapping behavior.
• Trap distribution and reshuffling during 'glowing-in-the-daylight' events were elucidated.

Conclusions:

• The study provides fundamental insights into trap dynamics in UV luminescent materials.
• Understanding trap behavior under photostimulation is key to manipulating material properties for advanced applications.