TSL, OSL and ESR studies in ZnAl2O4:Tb phosphor

ZnAl2O4:Tb phosphor was prepared by combustion synthesis. ZnAl2O4:Tb exhibits three thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) peaks around 150, 275 and 350 °C. ZnAl2O4:Tb exhibits optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) when stimulated with 470 nm light. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies were carried out to identify defect centres responsible for TSL peaks observed in ZnAl2O4:Tb. Two defect centres are identified in irradiated ZnAl2O4:Tb phosphor and these centres are assigned to V and F+ centres. V centre appears to correlate with the 150 °C TSL peak, while F+ centre could not be associated with the observed TSL peaks.