The Role of Point Defects in the Luminescence Processes in Inorganic Solids and Phosphor Development

Specialists in lighting, such as those working with medical imaging devices or scintillators in particle accelerators, are keen on understanding and developing luminescence processes for applications such as 3D x-ray imaging, high-energy particle detection, and electronic data storage. Developing sensitive phosphors requires knowledge of material development and the role of point defects in solids, information often lacking in literature. While doping impurities in inorganic solids can achieve bright fluorescence, creating suitable electron-hole traps is crucial for stimulated luminescence, a fact not commonly emphasized. This book aims to bridge this gap and enlighten readers on phosphor development and luminescence phenomena. It explores the stimulated luminescence properties of three materials, focusing on electron–hole trapping defects in BaFBr:Eu x-ray storage phosphor, electron-hole and interstitial-vacancy trapping mechanisms in LiF under irradiation, and unresolved issues in undoped and rare-earth-doped CaSO4 and BaSO4.