X-ray activated ultra-violet afterglow in LiLuF4: Ce microcrystals

Ultra-violet luminescence has been broadly employed in many fields, such as photocatalysis, anti-counterfeiting identification and photodynamic therapy. In this work, the X-ray activated UV afterglow is realized in LiLuF4: Ce microcrystals prepared by a simple solvothermal method. Our results reveal the slight excess of LiF content in the precursors solution is important to achieve pure LiLuF4: Ce microcrystals. The strong scintillation emissions peaking at 308 nm and 325 nm originates from Ce3+ ions is achieved. Moreover, evident UV afterglow is present after the cessation of X-rays. Our results reveal the LiLuF4 matrix is much more suitable for UV scintillation and afterglow from Ce3+ activators than that of NaLuF4 and NaGdF4 hosts.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the X-ray activated UV afterglow in LiLuF4: Ce microcrystals, with the presence of strong scintillation emissions originating from Ce3+ ions. It is found that a slight excess of LiF content in the precursors solution is crucial for achieving pure LiLuF4: Ce microcrystals. The results also indicate that LiLuF4 matrix is more suitable for UV scintillation and afterglow from Ce3+ activators compared to NaLuF4 and NaGdF4 hosts.