Europium doped Sr2YNbO6 double perovskite phosphor for photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties

A luminescent double perovskite phosphor Sr₂YNbO₆ doped with Eu³⁺ crystallized to the monoclinic phase and was synthesized successfully via a conventional high-temperature combustion method. The formation of the crystal structure, phase purity, and surface morphology were studied using X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy. The characteristic vibrations between the atoms of the functional groups present in phosphor were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis. The luminescence properties of the prepared phosphors were investigated in terms of photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL). PL excitation spectra exhibited charge transfer bands and the characteristic 4f⁶ transitions of Eu³⁺. A prominent PL emission was obtained for the phosphor doped with 4 mol% Eu³⁺ under the 396 nm excitation wavelength. PL emission quenching was observed for the higher doping concentrations due to a multipole–multipole interaction. A highly intense PL emission arose due to the hypersensitive ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ electric dipole transition of Eu³⁺ that dominated the emission spectra. The thermal stability of the phosphor was examined through temperature-dependent PL. The TL properties of the Sr₂YNbO₆ double perovskites irradiated with a ⁹⁰Sr beta source at different doses were measured. The double perovskite phosphors under study showed a linear dose–response with increasing beta dose, ranging from 1 Gy to 10 Gy. Trapping parameters of the TL glow curves were determined using Chen's peak shape method and computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD). CGCD fitting of the TL glow curves revealed that it was consisted of three major peaks and followed second-order kinetics. The estimated activation energies were determined using different methods and were comparable and significant.     

Mechanoluminescence,thermoluminescence, photoluminescence studies on Ca3Y2Si3O12:RE3+ (RE3+ = Dy3+and Eu3+) phosphors

Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ phosphors were synthesized by the solid‐state synthesis method. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), mechanoluminescence (ML), thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) to determine structure and luminescence. For ML glow curves, only one peak was observed, as only one type of luminescence centre was formed during irradiation. The Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂:Dy³⁺ TL glow curve showed a single peak at 151.55°C and the Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂:Eu³⁺ TL glow curve peaked at 323°C with a small peak at 192°C, indicating that two types of traps were activated. The trapping parameters for both the samples were calculated using Chen's peak shape method. Dy³⁺‐activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ showed emission at 482 and 574 nm when excited by a 351 nm excitation wavelength, whereas the Eu³⁺‐activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ phosphor PL emission spectra showed emission peaks at 613 nm, 591 nm, 580 nm when excited at 395 nm wavelength. When excited at 466 nm, prominent emission peaks were observed at their respective positions with very slight shifts. Copyright © 2015 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.     

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.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of pure and rare-earth-doped ZrO2 prepared by Pechini-type sol–gel

In this article, photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of ZrO₂, ZrO₂:Dy³⁺, ZrO₂:Dy³⁺–Gd³⁺, ZrO₂:Dy³⁺–Yb³⁺, ZrO₂:Dy³⁺–Er³⁺, and ZrO₂:Dy³⁺–Sm³⁺ phosphors synthesized by the Pechini method were investigated. The crystal structure, thermal properties, morphology, PL and TL properties were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL and TL, respectively. The room temperature emission bands corresponding to ⁴F_9/2 → ⁶H_J (J = 9/2, 11/2, 13/2 and 15/2) transitions of Dy³⁺ ions were measured. The phosphors were analysed using T_m–T_STOP, variable dose, and computerized glow curve fitting methods. Reusability, dose–response, and fading characteristics were investigated. The phosphors have a natural TL emission that vanished by heating treatment. Moreover, new peaks with similar properties to the natural emissions were observed after high-dose irradiation and long-term fading experiments. The glow curves of the phosphors have 13 individual peaks and many low- and high-temperature satellite peaks. The origin of the peaks is ZrO₂ host material and doping with rare-earth ions (Gd³⁺, Dy³⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ and Sm³⁺) does not lead to a new glow peak. The dopants cause drastic changes in individual peak intensities of ZrO₂.The initial fading rates of all the phosphors are relatively fast, but they slow down as time goes on.     

Thermoluminescence and photoluminescence studies on γ‐ray‐irradiated Ce3+,Tb3+‐doped potassium chloride single crystals

Single crystals of KCl doped with Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ were grown using the Bridgeman–Stockbarger technique. Thermoluminescence (TL), optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), photo‐stimulated luminescence (PSL), and thermal‐stimulated luminescence (TSL) properties were studied after γ‐ray irradiation at room temperature. The glow curve of the γ‐ray‐irradiated crystal exhibits three peaks at 420, 470 and 525 K. F‐Light bleaching (560 nm) leads to a drastic change in the TL glow curve. The optical absorption measurements indicate that F‐ and V‐centres are formed in the crystal during γ‐ray irradiation. It was attempted to incorporate a broad band of cerium activator into the narrow band of terbium in the KCl host without a reduction in the emission intensity. Cerium co‐doped KCl:Tb crystals showed broad band emission due to the d–f transition of cerium and a reduction in the intensity of the emission peak due to ⁵D₃–⁷F_j (j = 3, 4) transition of terbium, when excited at 330 nm. These results support that energy transfer occurs from cerium to terbium in the KCl host. Co‐doping Ce³⁺ ions greatly intensified the excitation peak at 339 nm for the emission at 400 nm of Tb³⁺. The emission due to Tb³⁺ ions was confirmed by PSL and TSL spectra. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Structural characterization of Er3+,Yb3+‐doped Gd2O3 phosphor,synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method,and its luminescence behavior

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of Er³⁺,Yb³⁺‐doped Gd₂O₃ phosphor. The sample was prepared using the conventional solid‐state reaction method, which is the most suitable method for large‐scale production. The prepared phosphor sample was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermoluminescence (TL), photoluminescence (PL) and CIE techniques. For PL studies, the excitation and emission spectra of Gd₂O₃ phosphor doped with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ were recorded. The excitation spectrum was recorded at a wavelength of 551 nm and showed an intense peak at 276 nm. The emission spectrum was recorded at 276 nm excitation and showed peaks in all blue, green and red regions, which indicate that the prepared phosphor may act as a single host for white light‐emitting diode (WLED) applications, as verified by International de I'Eclairage (CIE) techniques. From the XRD data, the calculated average crystallite size of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺‐doped Gd₂O₃ phosphor is ~ 38 nm. A TL study was carried out for the phosphor using UV irradiation. The TL glow curve was recorded for UV, beta and gamma irradiations, and the kinetic parameters were also calculated. In addition, the trap parameters of the prepared phosphor were also studied using computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence investigation of CaY2Al4SiO12:Dy3+ phosphor synthesized by sol–gel method

Dy³⁺-doped CaY₂Al₄SiO₁₂ phosphors were prepared using the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses (EDS) were used to analyse the crystal structure, morphology, and elemental composition of the prepared samples. The luminescence behaviour of the sample was investigated using photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) techniques. The prepared CaY₂Al₄SiO₁₂:xDy³⁺ phosphor showed a characteristic blue and yellow emission at ~480 and 583 nm, respectively, with an excitation wavelength of 350 nm. The most intense PL emission was found for a 4 mol% doping concentration of Dy³⁺ ions. The CIE diagram of the phosphor showed bluish-white colour emission. For TL studies, the prepared phosphors were irradiated with a ⁶⁰Co γ (gamma) source and the TL glow curve of the CaY₂Al₄SiO₁₂:0.04Dy³⁺ phosphor showed three overlapped peaks. For the Gaussian peaks, Chen's peak shape method was applied to determine the kinetic parameters of the samples.     

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.     

Evaluation of trapping parameters of γ‐rays irradiated Dy3+‐doped LaPO4 phosphors

Thermoluminescence (TL) materials are widely used in radiation measurements. The best‐known applications of TL materials are in the dosimetry of ionizing radiation, and in CTV screen phosphors, scintillators, X‐ray laser materials, etc. The TL glow curve and its kinetic parameters for annealed LaPO₄ at different constant temperatures and for Dy³⁺‐doped LaPO₄ phosphors irradiated by gamma‐rays are reported here. The samples were irradiated using a ⁶⁰Co gamma‐ray source at a dose of 10 Gy and the heating rate used for TL measurements was 5ºC/s. The samples were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy and TL techniques. The XRD pattern shows that the prepared phosphor has a good crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of ~ 18 nm. The samples show good TL peaks for 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mole % doping concentrations of Dy³⁺ ions and anneal above 400ºC. The TL glow curve characteristics of annealed LaPO₄ and Dy³⁺‐doped LaPO₄ were analyzed and trapping parameters calculated using various methods. All TL glow curves obey the second‐order kinetics with a single glow peak, which reveals that only one set of trapping parameter is set for a particular temperature. The TL sensitivity was found to depend upon the annealing temperature and Dy³⁺ doping concentration. The prepared sample may be a new nano phosphor and be useful in TL dosimetry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fracto‐mechanoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of UV and γ‐irradiated Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphor

Ce³⁺‐doped calcium aluminosilicate phosphor was prepared by a combustion‐assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600°C. Structural characterization was carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectra of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ showed an absorption edge at 230 nm. The optical characterization of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ phosphor was investigated in a fracto‐mechanoluminescence (FML) and thermoluminescence (TL) study. The peak of ML intensity increased as the height of impact of the moving piston increased. The TL intensity of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ was recorded for different exposure times of UV and γ‐irradiation and it was observed that TL intensity was maximum for a UV irradiation time of 30 min and for a γ‐dose of 1180 Gy. The TL intensity had three peaks for UV irradiation at temperatures 82°C, 125°C and 203°C. Also the TL intensity had a single peak at 152°C for γ‐irradiation. The TL and ML emission spectra of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ phosphor showed maximum emission at 400 nm. The possible mechanisms involved in the TL and ML processes of the Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ phosphor are also explained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphors for mechanoluminescence dosimetry

A series of Ce³⁺ ion single‐doped Ca₂Al₂SiO₇ phosphors was synthesized by a combustion‐assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600 °C. The samples were annealed at 1100 °C for 3 h and their X‐ray diffraction patterns confirmed a tetragonal structure. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology and elemental analysis were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques. Thermoluminescence (TL) intensity increased with increase in ultraviolet (UV) light exposure time up to 15 min. With further increase in the UV irradiation time the TL intensity decreases. The increase in TL intensity indicates that trap concentration increased with UV exposure time. A broad peak at 121 °C suggested the existence of a trapping level. The peak of mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity versus time curve increased linearly with increasing impact velocity of the moving piston. Mechanoluminescence intensity increased with increase in UV irradiation time up to 15 min. Under UV‐irradiation excitation, the TL and ML emission spectra of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ phosphor showed the characteristic emission of Ce³⁺ peaking at 400 nm (UV–violet) and originating from the Ce³⁺ transitions of 5d‐4f (²F_5/2 and ²F_7/2). The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra for Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ were similar to the ML/TL emission spectra. The mechanism of ML excitation and the suitability of the Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺phosphor for radiation dosimetry are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tunable luminescence properties and energy transfer in LaAl11O18:Eu,Tb phosphor

Eu²⁺ and Tb³⁺ singly doped and co‐doped LaAl₁₁O₁₈ phosphors were prepared by a combustion method using urea as a fuel. The phase structure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the prepared phosphors were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra. When the content of Eu²⁺ was fixed at 0.01, the emission chromaticity coordinates could be adjusted from blue to green region by tuning the contents of Tb³⁺ ions from 0.01 to 0.03 through an energy transfer (ET) process. The fluorescence data collected from the samples with different contents of Tb³⁺ into LaAl₁₁O₁₈: Eu, show the enhanced green emission at 545 nm associated with ⁵D₄ –⁷F₅ transitions of Tb³⁺. The enhancement was attributed to ET from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺, and therefore Eu²⁺ ion acts as a sensitizer (an energy donor) while Tb³⁺ ion as an activator. The ET from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺ is performed through dipole–dipole interaction. The ET efficiency and critical distance were also calculated. The present Eu²⁺–Tb³⁺ co‐doped LaAl₁₁O₁₈ phosphor will have potential application for UV convertible white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ba3Si6O12N2:Eu2+ phosphor

Eu²⁺‐doped Ba₃Si₆O₁₂N₂ phosphors were prepared successfully via a modified solid‐state diffusion method. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence measurements. These phosphors were effectively excited at 355 nm and an intense emission peaking in the range 480 nm to 525 nm in the blue region was observed. The optimized dopant concentration was determined to be 1 mol% of Eu²⁺ ion. The colour coordinates for phosphor were found to be (0.196, 0.326) in the blue region. This phosphor may find application for near‐ultraviolet (NUV) excited lamp phosphors. The thermoluminescence study shows the complex glow curve. Trapping parameters (activation energy and frequency factor) were calculated for individual deconvoluted peaks by Chen's peak shape method, the initial rise method and the whole glow peak method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence characterization of Dy and Eu doped Na6Mg(SO4)4 phosphors

A series of single‐phase phosphors based on Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ (Z_eff = 11.70) doped with Dy and Eu was prepared by the wet chemical method. The photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of Dy³⁺‐ and Eu³⁺‐activated Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ phosphors were investigated. The characteristic emissions of Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ were observed in the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ host. The TL glow curve of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor consisted of a prominent peak at 234°C and a very small hump at 158°C. The TL sensitivity of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor was found to be four times less than the commercialized CaSO₄:Dy phosphor. The TL dose–response of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor was studied from a dose range of 5–10 kGy and the linear dose–response was observed up to 1 kGy which is good for a microcrystalline phosphor. Trapping parameters for both the samples were calculated using the Initial Rise and Chen's peak shape methods.     

New UVA‐emitting BaAlBO3F2:Eu2+ phosphor with PL and TL properties for phototherapy lamp

We present a new phosphor material, BaAlBO₃F₂ doped with Eu²⁺ ions, having emission in the UVA region. The phosphor material is prepared by a simple wet chemical method. Phase confirmation was carried out using the Rietveld refinement program which shows that BaAlBO₃F₂:Eu²⁺ has an hexagonal crystal system. Using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy graph, we studied the bond stretching present in the phosphor material. Photoluminescence (PL) characterization, carried out using a RF spectrofluorophotometer, shows two types of PL excitation and emission. Before reduction, emission is in the blue region at 431 nm; after reduction, excitation is at 258 nm and emission is at 361 nm, which is in the UVA region. Some thermoluminescence (TL) studies were carried out in this material for the first time, for example, determination of the trapping parameters, linearity, fading, glow curve convolution and deconvolution (GCCD) function for curve fitting and the T_m–T_stop method for confirmation of the trapped centers in the TL glow peak. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescent properties and energy transfer in the green phosphors LaBSiO5:Tb3+,Ce3+

LaBSiO₅ phosphors doped with Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ were synthesized using the conventional solid‐state method at 1100 °C. The phase purity and luminescent properties of these phosphors are investigated. LaBSiO₅:Tb³⁺ phosphors show intense green emission, and LaBSiO₅ phosphors doped with Ce³⁺ show blue–violet emission under UV light excitation. LaBSiO₅ phosphors co‐doped with Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ exhibit blue–violet and green emission under excitation by UV light. The blue–violet emission is due to the 5d–4f transition of Ce³⁺ and the green emission is ascribed to the ⁵D₄ → ⁷ F₅ transition of Tb³⁺. The spectral overlap between the excitation band of Tb³⁺ and the emission band of Ce³⁺ supports the occurrence of energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺, and the energy transfer process was investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence study of Dy or Ce activated LiCaBO3 phosphor for γ‐ray and C5+ ion beam irradiation

The photoluminescence and thermoluminescence characteristics of rare earths (Dy or Ce) activated LiCaBO₃ phosphors have been studied. Phosphors were synthesized by modified solid state synthesis. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) for structural, morphological and luminescence studies. Dy³⁺ activated LiCaBO₃ shows emission at 486 and 577 nm due to ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2 and ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_13/2 transition, respectively, whereas the PL emission spectra of Ce³⁺ activated LiCaBO₃ phosphor shows a broad band peaking at 432 nm, which is due to the transition from 5d level to the ground state of the Ce³⁺ ion. The thermoluminescence study was also carried out for both these phosphors for γ‐ray irradiation and carbon beam irradiation. Linearity was studied for a 0.4–3.1 Rad dose γ‐rays. Linear behaviour over this dose range was observed. Gamma ray‐irradiated phosphors were shown to be negligible fading upon storage. All the samples were also studied for 75 MeV C⁵⁺ ion beam exposure in the range of 3.75 × 10¹² – 7.5 × 10¹³ ion cm^–2 fluence. In addition to this, trapping parameters of all the samples were also calculated using Chen's peak shape method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.