Luminescence in Sr4Al14O25:Ce3+ aluminate phosphor

Cerium‐doped Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ phosphor is prepared using a single‐step combustion synthesis and its X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties are characterized. XRD reveals the formation of the desired phase in the prepared sample. SEM micrographs of the prepared Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ phosphor show that the particle size is 10 µm. The prepared Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅, along with Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:Ce_x (x = 0.5–5 mol%) shows a PL emission peak at 314 nm under UV excitation of 262 nm wavelength due to 5d → 4f transition. The phosphor is suitable for higher concentrations of Ce ions. The TL glow peak reveals three clearly visible distinct peaks at temperatures around 130, 231 and 336ºC. The three peaks are separated by deconvolution and kinetic parameters calculated using Chen's peak shape method. The calculation shows that the reaction follows second‐order kinetics with activation energy (E) values of 0.52, 0.81 and 1.12 eV, and frequency factor (s) values of 5.58 × 10⁵, 4.53 × 10⁷ and 4.57 × 10⁸ s^‐1 for the three individual peaks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermoluminescence studies of zinc borate (ZnB2O4) phosphor doped with rare earths for dosimetric aspects

A series of ZnB₂O₄ phosphors doped with different concentrations of Eu and Dy (0.05 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mol%) and co-doped with Ce (1, 2, 5, 7, 10 mol%) respectively was prepared via the solid-state reaction technique and the thermoluminescence (TL) behaviour of gamma ray-irradiated samples was studied. The synthesized samples were irradiated with γ-rays for the dose range 0.03–1.20 kGy. The TL intensity variations with dose, dopant concentration, and the effect of co-doping were studied. The TL response curves for ZnB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ and ZnB₂O₄:Dy³⁺, ZnB₂O₄:Eu³,Ce³⁺ and ZnB₂O₄:Dy³⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphor were observed. It was revealed that ZnB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ showed a linear TL behaviour for the dose 0.03–1.20 kGy and ZnB₂O₄:Dy³⁺ showed linearity for the gamma dose range 0.03–0.10 kGy. Furthermore, fading for all the samples was observed to be less than 10% for a storage period of 30 days. In addition to this, the trapping parameters, especially activation energies were evaluated using the Ilich method and the initial rise method. The activation energy values obtained from both methods were in complete agreement with each other.     

Dy3+‐, Sm3+‐, Ce3+‐ and Tb3+‐activated optical properties of microcrystalline BaMgP2O7 phosphors

Photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of rare earth (RE) ion (RE = Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺) activated microcrystalline BaMgP₂O₇ phosphors are presented in this work. Non‐doped and doped samples of BaMgP₂O₇ were prepared using a solid state diffusion method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL and TL. The XRD measurement confirmed the phase purity of the BaMgP₂O₇ host matrix. The average particle size was found through SEM measurement to be around 2 μm. All activators using the PL technique displayed characteristic excitation and emission spectra that corresponded to their typical f → f and f → d transitions respectively. Thermoluminescence measurements showed that BaMgP₂O₇:RE (RE = Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tb³⁺, Ce³⁺) and co‐doped BaMgP₂O₇:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ phosphors have also TL behaviour.     

Probing the optical properties and luminescence mechanism of a UV‐emitting SrBPO5:Ce3+ phosphor

Ce‐doped (1 × 10^?5 to 3.0 mol%) SrBPO₅ phosphors were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction route at 1273 K in an air atmosphere. Phase and morphology of the samples were studied from powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs, respectively. The band gap energies of the pure and Ce‐doped SrBPO₅ phosphors were calculated from the recorded diffuse reflectance spectra. Photoluminescence (PL) and Ce³⁺ lifetime were recorded at 300 and 77 K. Photoluminescence lifetime measurements revealed two‐lifetime values for Ce³⁺ at both 300 K (17 and 36 nsec) and 77 K (12 and 30 nsec), suggesting the presence of two different environments around Ce³⁺. Time‐resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES) studies confirmed the presence of Ce³⁺ in two different environments. In addition, SrBPO₅:Ce exhibited intense UV emission, signifying its possible use as an efficient sensitizer for solid‐state lighting applications. The effect of γ‐irradiation on PL was also determined. Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curves of the γ‐irradiated phosphor, along with trap parameters, dose–response, and the possible TSL mechanism were also investigated. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was carried out to probe defects present in undoped and Ce‐doped SrBPO₅.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies of CaAl2O4:Dy3+ phosphor

Calcium aluminate phosphors activated by Dy³⁺ have been prepared by a combustion method at a temperature of 600°C. Photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of gamma‐irradiated Dy‐doped calcium aluminate were investigated. The PL spectrum shows a broad peak around 488 nm and 573 nm, under 347 nm excitation. Thermoluminescence studies were performed for different concentrations of Dy. Optimum intensity of photoluminescence was found for 0.02 mol% concentration of Dy. It was found that initially the peak TL intensity increases with increasing concentration of Dy in the CaAl₂O₄ host, attains a maximum value for 0.05 mol% concentration and decreases with further increase in the doping concentration due to concentration quenching. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photo and thermoluminescence of KMgSO4F: Ce and :Mn phosphors

KMgSO₄F:Ce and KMgSO₄F:Mn phosphors were prepared by a wet chemical method and studied for their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. PL emission of KMgSO₄F:Ce peaked at around 440 nm for the excitation at 377 nm due to 5d → 4f transition, while KMgSO₄F:Mn had a peak at 540 nm for an excitation at 363 nm and 247 nm due to ⁴T_1g → ⁶A_1g transition. The phosphors also showed good thermoluminescence characteristics when they were exposed to γ‐rays at a 5 Gy dose at the rate of 0.36 kGyh^?1. KMgSO₄F:Ce exhibited a single thermoluminescence (TL) peak at around 167 °C and KMgSO₄F:Mn also exhibited a single TL peak at around 177 °C. Possible trapping parameters such as order of kinetics (b), the geometrical factor (μ_g), the frequency factor (s) and the activation energy were also evaluated by Chen's half width method. This article discusses fundamental PL and TL characteristics in inorganic fluoride material activated by Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions and prepared by a wet chemical method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence study and dosimetry approach of Ce on an α‐Sr2P2O7 phosphor synthesized by a high‐temperature combustion method

We report synthesis of a cerium‐activated strontium pyrophosphate (Sr₂P₂O₇) phosphor using a high‐temperature combustion method. Samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL). The XRD pattern reveals that Sr₂P₂O₇ has an α‐phase with crystallization in the orthorhombic space group of Pnam. The IR spectrum of α‐Sr₂P₂O₇ displays characteristic bands at 746 and 1190 cm^‐1 corresponding to the absorption of (P₂O₇)^‐4. PL emission spectra exhibit a broad emission band around 376 nm in the near‐UV region due to the allowed 5d–4f transition of cerium and suggest its applications in a UV light‐emitting diode (LED) source. PL also reveals that the emission originates from 5d–4f transition of Ce³⁺ and intensity increases with doping concentration. TL measurements made after X‐ray irradiation, manifest a single intense glow peak at around 192°C, which suggests that this is an outstanding candidate for dosimetry applications. The kinetic parameters, activation energy and frequency factor of the glow curve were calculated using different analysis methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural,Morphological, and Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline (Bi2O3)1−x:(TiO2)x Thin Films for Transparent Electronics

The fabrication of low cost and eco-friendly transparent electronics using metal oxide semiconductors is still a challenging task. In this work, transparent nanocrystalline (Bi₂O₃)_1−x:(TiO₂)_x thin films were synthesized using a pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD); XRD analysis shows the films have polycrystalline structure of monoclinic Bi₂O₃; morphological and topographical properties were analyzed by SEM and AFM showing the films have smooth surfaces with RMS roughness (4.26–7.37 nm) with micro-and nano-spheres (2 μm to 23 nm); the optical properties were analyzed by Uv-Vis spectrometer and revealed high transmittance in the visible range; the best results were obtained at x = 0.05 where the highest crystallinity, highest transmittance (> 82%), and highest band gap (3.769 eV) were achieved; and empirical models have been proposed to estimate the band gap and Bi–O bond lengths as a function of TiO₂ concentration with excellent coincidence with the experimental data.

     

Luminescence properties of nanocrystalline Mg2P2O7:Eu phosphor

Thermoluminescence (TL) measurements were carried out on europium (Eu) doped magnesium pyrophosphate (Mg₂P₂O₇) nanopowders using gamma irradiation in the dose range of 0.1 to 3 kGy. The powder samples were successfully synthesized by chemical co‐precipitation synthesis route. The formation and crystallinity of the compound was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern. The estimated particle size was found to be in nanometer scale by using Debye Scherer's formula. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was carried out for the morphological characteristics of as synthesized Mg₂P₂O₇:Eu phosphor. Photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out to confirm the presence of the rare‐earth ion and its valence state. The TL analysis of synthesized samples were performed after the irradiation of Mg₂P₂O₇:Eu with cobalt‐60 (⁶⁰Co) gamma rays. The high and low intensity peaks of TL glow curve appeared at around 400 K, 450 K, 500 K and 596 K respectively. The appreciable shift in peak positions has been observed for different concentrations of Eu ion. The trapping parameters, namely activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) have been determined using thermal cleaning process, peak shape (Chen's) method and glow curve deconvolution (GCD) functions.     

Synthesis,characterization and thermoluminescence studies of (ZnS)1‐x(MnTe)x nanophosphors

The present paper reports the thermoluminescence (TL) of (ZnS)_1‐x(MnTe)_x nanophosphors that were prepared by a wet chemical synthesis method. The structure investigated by X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the formation of a sphalerite phase whose space group was found to be F 3m. From XRD, TEM and SEM analyses the average sizes of the particles were found to be 12 nm, 11 nm and 15 nm, respectively. Initially the TL intensity increased with increasing values of x because the number of luminescence centres increased; however, for higher values of x the TL intensity decreased because of the concentration quenching. Thus the TL, mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence intensities are optimum for a particular value of x, that is for x = 0.05. Thermoluminescence of the (ZnS)_1‐x (MnTe)_x nanophosphor has not been reported previously. There were two peaks seen in the thermoluminescence glow curves in which the first peak lay at 105–100 °C and the second peak lay at 183.5–178.5 °C. The activation energies for the first and second peaks were found to be 0.45 eV and 0.75 eV, respectively.     

5d–4f transition in new phosphate‐based phosphors

The preparation of Ce³⁺‐doped Sr₆AlP₅O₂₀ and Ba₆AlP₅O₂₀ by a combustion method is described. Formation of compounds was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra were observed at 355 nm when excited at 307 nm for the various concentrations. The PL emission spectra of phosphors showed strong Ce³⁺ emission due to the 5 d → 4f transition of Ce³⁺ ions. The Ce³⁺ emission intensity in Sr₆AlP₅O₂₀:Ce phosphor was higher than that in Ba₆AlP₅O₂₀:Ce and it may be useful for scintillation applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and luminescence properties of CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue phosphor

A blue CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method and the phosphor characterized in terms of crystal structure, particle size, photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) properties using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), PL spectroscopy, TLD reader and ML impact technique. The XRD result shows that phosphor is formed in a single phase and has a monoclinic structure with the space group C2/c. Furthermore, the PL excitation spectra of Eu²⁺‐doped CaMgSi₂O₆ phosphor showed a strong band peak at 356 nm and the PL emission spectrum has a peak at 450 nm. The depths and frequency factors of trap centers were calculated using the TL glow curve by deconvolution method in which the trap depths were found to be 0.48 and 0.61 eV. The formation of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ML intensity increased linearly with the impact velocity of the piston used to deform the phosphor. It was shown that the local piezoelectricity‐induced electron bombardment model is responsible for the ML emission. Finally, the optical properties of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphors are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence properties of Ce3+ in orthosilicate oxyapatite NaY9(SiO4)6O2

Ce³⁺‐doped orthosilicate oxyapatite NaY₉(SiO₄)₆O₂ phosphors NaY_9–x(SiO₄)₆O₂:xCe³⁺ were prepared by a conventional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method, and their spectroscopic characteristics were systematically investigated. The occupancies of Ce³⁺ ions at two different sites (Wyckoff 6 h and 4f sites) in NaY₉(SiO₄)₆O₂ were determined. The influence of doping concentration on the emission intensity of Ce³⁺ was investigated and the critical distance Rc was estimated in terms of the concentration quenching data.     

Synthesis and effect of Ce and Mn co‐doping on photoluminescence characteristics of Ca6AlP5O20:Eu novel phosphors

A series of Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀ doped with rare earths (Eu and Ce) and co‐doped (Eu, Ce and Eu,Mn) were prepared by combustion synthesis. Under Hg‐free excitation, Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu exhibited Eu²⁺ (486 nm) emission in the blue region of the spectrum and under near Hg excitation (245 nm), Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Ce phosphor exhibited Ce³⁺ emission (357 nm) in the UV range. Photoluminescence (PL) peak intensity increased in Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu,Ce and Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn phosphors due to co‐activators of Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions. As a result, these ions played an important role in PL emission in the present matrix. Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Ce and Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn phosphors provided energy transfer mechanisms via Ce³⁺ → Eu²⁺ and Eu²⁺ → Mn²⁺, respectively. Eu ions acted as activators and Ce ions acted as sensitizers. Ce emission energy was well matched with Eu excitation energy in the case of Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Ce and Eu ions acted as activators and Mn ions acted as sensitizers in Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn. This study included synthesis of new and efficient phosphate phosphors. The impact of doping and co‐doping on photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanisms were investigated and we propose a feasible interpretation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of novel BaGd2O4:Eu3+ scintillating phosphor

BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors were synthesized at 1300°C in air by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Optimal PL intensity for BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors at 276 nm excitation were found to be x = 0.24 and y = 0.125, respectively. The PL intensity of Eu³⁺ emission could only be enhanced by 1.3 times with incorporation of Na⁺ into the BaGd₂O₄ host. Enhanced luminescence was attributed to the flux effect of Na⁺ ions. However, when BaGd₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors were codoped with Na⁺ ions, the induced defects confirmed by TL spectra impaired the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence investigation of a cerium‐doped yttrium vanadate phosphor

Cerium (Ce³⁺)‐doped (1, 3, and 7 mol%) yttrium vanadate phosphors were prepared using a co‐precipitation technique. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized samples were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), optical absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy techniques. The tetragonal structure and the formation of the nanosized crystallites in the YVO₄:Ce phosphor were confirmed using XRD analysis. HR‐TEM morphology showed rod‐like nanoparticles of different sizes. Optical absorption spectra demonstrated strong absorption bands at 268 and 276 nm. PL spectra showed strong peaks at 546, 574, and 691 nm following excitation at 300 nm. The calculated CIE chromaticity coordinates demonstrated that YVO₄:Ce could be used as a novel phosphor for the development of light‐emitting diode lamps.     

Crystal structure and luminescence properties of the blue‐green‐emitting Ba9(Lu,Y)2Si6O24:Ce3+ phosphor

Samples of the Ba₉(Lu_2‐xY_x)Si₆O₂₄:Ce³⁺ (x = 0–2) blue‐green phosphors were synthesized by solid‐state reactions. All the samples exhibited a rhombohedral crystal structure. As the Y³⁺ concentration increased, the diffraction peaks shifted to the small angle region and the lattice parameters increased due to the larger ionic radius of Y³⁺ (r = 0.900 Å) compared with that of Lu³⁺ (r = 0.861 Å). Under 400 nm excitation, samples exhibited strong blue‐green emissions around 490 nm. The emission bands had a slight blue shift that resulted from weak crystal‐field splitting with increasing Y³⁺ concentration. Luminescence intensity and quantum efficiency (QE) decreased with increasing Y³⁺ concentration. The internal QE decreased from 74 to 50% and the external QE decreased from 50 to 34% as x increased from 0 to 2. The thermal stability of the Lu series was better than that of the Y‐series. The excitation band peak around 400 nm matched well with the emission light from the efficient near‐ultraviolet (NUV) chip. These results indicate promising applications for these NUV‐based white light‐emitting diodes.     

Luminescence characteristics of Na3Ca2(SO4)3F: Ce3+ fluoride material

A new Na₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃F: Ce³⁺ phosphor synthesized by a solid state diffusion method is reported. The photoluminescence study showed a single high intensity emission peak at 307 nm wavelength when excited by UV light of wavelength 278 nm. An unresolved peak of comparatively less intensity was also observed at 357 nm along with the main peak. The characteristic emission of dopant Ce in Na₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃F phosphor clearly indicated that it resides in the host lattice in trivalent form. The emission peak can be attributed to 5d → 4f transition of rare earth Ce³⁺. The prepared sample is also characterized for its thermoluminescence properties. The TL glow curve of prepared sample showed a single broad peak at 147°C. The trapping parameters are also evaluated by Chen's method. The values of trap depth (E) and frequency factor (s) were found to be 0.64 ± 0.002 eV and 1.43 × 10⁷ s^–1 respectively. The study of PL and TL along with evaluation of trapping parameters has been undertaken and discussed for the first time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Eu2+ doped and Eu2+,Dy3+ co‐doped Ba2MgSi2O7 phosphors

In this work, we report the preparation, characterization, comparison and luminescence mechanisms of Eu²⁺‐doped and Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺‐co‐doped Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ (BMSO) phosphors. Prepared phosphors were synthesized via a high temperature solid‐state reaction method. All prepared phosphors appeared white. The phase structure, particle size, and elemental analysis were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The luminescence properties of the phosphors were investigated by thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL). The PL excitation and emission spectra of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ showed the peak to be around 381 nm and 490 nm respectively. The PL excitation spectrum of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺Dy³⁺ showed the peak to be around 341 nm and 388 nm, and the emission spectrum had a broad band around 488 nm. These emissions originated from the 4f⁶ 5d¹ to 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. TL analysis revealed that the maximum TL intensity was found at 5 mol% of Eu²⁺ doping in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphors after 15 min of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. TL intensity was increased when Dy³⁺ ions were co‐doped in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and maximum TL intensity was observed for 2 mol% of Dy³⁺. TL emission spectra of Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors were found at 500 nm. TL intensity increased with UV exposure time up to 15 min, then decreased for the higher UV radiation dose for both Eu doping and Eu,Dy co‐doping. The trap depths were calculated to be 0.54 eV for Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and 0.54 eV and 0.75 eV for Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors. It was observed that co‐doping with small amounts of Dy³⁺ enhanced the thermoluminescence properties of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [Correction added on 5 April 2016, after first online publication: The following parts of the abstract have been edited for consistency. '4f65d1' has been corrected to '4f⁶ 5d¹', '4f7' has been corrected to '4f⁷', 'Ba1.95' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.95' and 'Ba1.93' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.93' respectively.]     

Concentration dependence of luminescence efficiency of Dy3+ ions in strontium zinc phosphate glasses mixed with Pb3O4

In this work we synthesized SrO–ZnO–P₂O₅ glasses mixed with Pb₃O₄ (heavy metal oxide) and doped with different amounts of Dy₂O₃ (0.1 to 1.0 mol%). Subsequently their emission and decay characteristics were investigated as a function of Dy₂O₃ concentration. The emission spectra exhibited three principal emission bands in the visible region corresponding to ⁴F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2 (482 nm), ⁶H_13/2 (574 nm) and ⁶H_11/2 (663 nm) transitions. With increase in the concentration of Dy₂O₃ (upto 0.8 mol%) a considerable increase in the intensity of these bands was observed and, for further increase, quenching of photoluminescence (PL) output was observed. Using emission spectra, various radiative parameters were evaluated and all these parameters were found to increase with increase in Dy₂O₃ concentration. The Y/B integral emission intensity ratio of Dy³⁺ ions evaluated from these spectra exhibited a decreasing trend with increase in the Dy₂O₃ concentration up to 0.8 mol%. Quenching of luminescence observed in the case of the glasses doped with 1.0 mol% is attributed to clustering of Dy³⁺ ions. The quantitative analysis of these results together with infra‐red (IR) spectral studies indicated that 0.8 mol% is the optimum concentration of Dy³⁺ ions needed to achieve maximum luminescence efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.