Synthesis and Optical Properties of CaMgSi2O6:Ce3+ Phosphors

CaMgSi2O6:Ce3+ phosphors were prepared by the solid state reaction method at a temperature of 1050A degrees C. Structural and morphological studies of the phosphors were carried out using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The results of XRD show a monoclinic structure with space group C2/c, and the average crystallite size calculated using Debye-Scherrer's formula was found to be in the range 36-52 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the proper preparation of the sample. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of CaMgSi2O6:Ce3+ phosphors for different ultra-violet (UV)-radiation times were studied. It was observed that, initially, the TL intensity increases with increasing UV irradiation time and later on it attains a saturation value. The phosphors were characterized using photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra in which the excitation peaks were found at 295 nm and 327 nm, and the emission peak was found at 348 nm. The peak of the mechanoluminescence intensity versus time curve increased linearly with the impact velocity of the piston used to deform the sample. Finally, the optical properties of CaMgSi2O6:Ce3+ phosphors are discussed.