Optical properties and storage capabilities in AB2O4:Cr(A = Zn, Mg, B = Ga, Al)

Abstract

Red emitting long-lasting phosphorescence (LLP) material, are useful biomarker for small animal in vivo imaging. We report here our investigations on the optical features of chromium doped AB2O4 spinels (A=Zn, Mg and B=Ga, Al.) suitable for such applications. It is possible to tune the emission wavelengths of Cr3+ by a crystal field variation to be well centered in the biological window and it is also possible to adjust the traps depth in order to better control the release of the traps. These traps are therefore stable at room temperature and could be emptied by thermal or near infrared source making this material a potential new photostimulated/optically compound. Photoluminescence (PL) and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) studies are reported.