Electronic energy relaxation and luminescence decay dynamics of Eu3+ in Zn2SiO4:Eu3+ phosphors

Electronic energy relaxation and decay dynamics of Eu3+ in Zn2SiO4:Eu3+ phosphors display evidence of intra-ion energy transfer from the 5D1 to the 5D0 manifold. The energy transfer timescale does not depend on Eu3+ concentration, or the addition of Mn2+ as a co-dopant and is estimated to be about 11 μs in Zn2SiO4. Evidence for intra-ion Eu3+ electronic energy transfer has also been observed in Eu-doped MgS as well as Eu3+ encapsulated in zeolite-Y. The energy transfer timescale in these other materials is shorter than in Zn2SiO4, most likely due to differences in Eu3+ surroundings or site symmetry.