Ultraviolet glow of Lu3Ga5O12:Bi3+ phosphor in indoor lighting

An ultraviolet glow phenomenon of Lu3Ga5O12:Bi3+ phosphor is investigated in ambient lighting. In dark environment the phosphor exhibits ultraviolet persistent luminescence peaking at 313 nm, while in indoor ambient lighting the initial intensity of the ultraviolet emission is remarkably enhanced. Such an enhancement essentially originates from a photostimulation process upon stimulation by the polychromatic ambient light, revealing the role of ambient illumination in releasing the stored energy of the phosphor. The present study on Lu3Ga5O12:Bi3+ inspires us to revisit other ultraviolet phosphors, enabling more glow-in-the-ambient-lighting materials to be developed.