Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

A long-standing issue in persistent luminescence is settled by providing direct evidence that Dy³⁺ is the main electron trap in Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:Eu,Dy by combining laser excitation with X-ray spectroscopy. A reversible electron transfer is demonstrated, controlled by light and showing the same kinetics as the persistent luminescence. Exposure to violet light induces charging by oxidation of the excited Eu²⁺ while Dy³⁺ is simultaneously reduced. Oppositely, detrapping of Dy²⁺ occurs at ambient temperature or by infrared illumination, yielding afterglow or optically stimulated luminescence, respectively.