Precise Temperature Sensing and Optical Information Storage via Dual-Emission Gallate Phosphors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Luminescence
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Luminescent temperature sensing is a rapidly developing field.
• Enhancing sensitivity and resolution in thermometers is a key challenge.
• Developing materials with dual functionalities, like sensing and photochromism, is of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel phosphors for precise temperature sensing.
• To investigate the photochromic properties of these phosphors.
• To explore potential applications in anticounterfeiting and optical information storage.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Bi³⁺,Sm³⁺-codoped CaYGaO₄ phosphors.
• Characterization of luminescent and photochromic properties.
• Fabrication and testing of a fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) thermometer.

Main Results:

• The synthesized phosphors demonstrate precise temperature sensing capabilities.
• A maximum absolute sensitivity (S_a) of 0.0018 K^-1 (@563 K) and relative sensitivity (S_r) of 0.56% K^-1 (@544 K) were achieved.
• The phosphors exhibit rapid color change (white to brown in 25 s) under UV light and excellent cycling stability, indicating superior photochromic characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Bi³⁺,Sm³⁺-codoped CaYGaO₄ phosphors offer a promising platform for advanced temperature sensing.
• The materials possess excellent photochromic behavior, suitable for anticounterfeiting and optical data storage.
• The dual functionality of these phosphors opens avenues for multifunctional material applications.