Investigating the Potential of Cr³⁺-Doped Pyroxene for Highly Sensitive Optical Pressure Sensing

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Luminescent manometry enables remote in situ pressure measurements.
• Developing phosphors with pressure-dependent properties is crucial for advanced pressure sensors.
• Existing sensors often lack sensitivity over a wide pressure range or are temperature-dependent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel temperature-invariant luminescent manometer.
• To utilize Cr³⁺ ion emission in Ca_0.8Sr_0.2MgSi₂O₆:Cr³⁺ for pressure sensing.
• To achieve high sensitivity and reliability in pressure measurements.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized Ca_0.8Sr_0.2MgSi₂O₆:Cr³⁺ phosphor.
• Employed a luminescent pressure sensing ratiometric approach based on Cr³⁺ emission (⁴T_2g → ⁴A_2g).
• Investigated luminescence kinetics for high-pressure sensing.

Main Results:

• Achieved exceptionally high sensitivity (S_R = 50.7 ± 0.5% GPa^-1) using the ratiometric approach.
• Demonstrated temperature-independent pressure measurements, ensuring reliable readouts.
• Showcased high sensitivity at high pressures (~5 GPa) with luminescence kinetics (S_R ~ 8 ± 0.2% GPa^-1).

Conclusions:

• Ca_0.8Sr_0.2MgSi₂O₆:Cr³⁺ is a highly promising phosphor for pressure sensing.
• The developed ratiometric approach offers superior sensitivity and temperature independence.
• This material shows significant potential for pressure sensing applications across a broad pressure range.