Scientific Reports (Aug 2017)

The trap bag concept of afterglow luminescence

  • Yih-Ping Huang,
  • Jeng-Wen Lin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07789-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract This article explains the behavior of afterglow luminescence using the trap bag concept, in which a constant phosphor dose contains a presumed bag with the ability to capture or release electrons through its opening. Luminescence is emitted as the bag releases the captured electrons. The electron-holding capacity is determined by the irradiation conditions, the width of the opening, and the electron activation; these factors are inherent properties of the long persistent luminescence (PLUM) dose and are affected by the thermal status. During the afterglow stage, higher temperatures may result in a wider opening and increased activation of electrons released from the bag, thus creating a higher light intensity and leading to the quicker exhaustion of the electrons within. In contrast, the opposite phenomenon will occur at lower temperatures. This article provides a detailed explanation of the trap bag concept at various thermal statuses and provides a method for delaying the afterglow peak profile through temperature change. Experimental tests were performed to confirm the proposed concept.