Luminescence properties of a new yellow long-lasting phosphorescence phosphor NaAlSiO4:Eu2+,Ho3+

A new aluminosilicate long-lasting phosphor with composition of NaAlSiO4:Eu2+,Ho3+ was synthesized and investigated. Under UV light excitation, the phosphor emitted yellow light corresponding to the characteristic emission of Eu2+ due to 5d-4f transition. Bright yellow phosphorescence sustaining for more than 30 min was observed after ceasing the excitation. The phosphorescence intensity decay obeyed a t–1 decay law, indicating a tunneling electron-hole recombination process in the phosphor. Four peaks appeared in the thermoluminescence curve and the ones at 322 and 370 K were thought to account for the long lasting phosphorescence at room temperature. The Ho3+ ion incorporated into the phosphor did not give any light but dramatically increased the intensities of both photoluminescence and phosphorescence via promoting defect levels in the phosphor.