Light Delivery, Acoustic Read-Out, and Optical Thermometry Using Ultrasound-Induced Mechanoluminescence and the Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence of CaZnOS:Nd3+

Light emission from CaZnOS:Nd3+ by high-intensity ultrasound excitation is demonstrated. Acoustic power and duty ratio enable simultaneous control of the degree of (local) thermo-acoustic heating in isothermal or nonisothermal conditions. The Nd-related photoemission provides direct thermometric feedback at an absolute sensitivity on the order of 10(-4) K-1, within the physiological temperature range. From the individual temperature dependence of persistent luminescence and mechanoluminescence, both effects are attributed to a heterologous de-trapping mechanism. In addition to acoustic heating and optical thermometry, this enables optical information storage and smart labeling with optoacoustic read-out.

Automated summary

Light emission from CaZnOS:Nd3+ is achieved through high-intensity ultrasound excitation. The degree of (local) thermo-acoustic heating can be controlled simultaneously by acoustic power and duty ratio under isothermal or nonisothermal conditions. The Nd-related photoemission provides accurate thermometric feedback within the physiological temperature range.