Differential response under X-ray/UV dual-mode excitation in single-component defect state phosphor X-ray imaging and Wavelength-Multiplexing information storage

Multimodal Excitation Response (MMER) phosphors are gaining rapid attention due to their outstanding performance and emerging applications. Herein, a Eu2+, Mn2+ co-doping CaAl2Si2O8 phosphor is reported. Unlike common MMER phosphors, this system exhibits blue photo-/persistent luminescence under 365 nm UV excitation, orange photo-/persistent luminescence under X-ray excitation, and X-ray-induced photochromism. These diverse optical properties enable it to exhibit advanced bright/dark dual-field X-ray imaging and wavelength-multiplexing information storage. Furthermore, the testing results indicate that the varying color response to UV and X-ray excitation benefits from different excitation properties between Eu2+ and Mn2+ as well as precise emitter/trap local units. Thus, this work not only provides an excellent candidate for versatile applications but also offers a design approach for such materials.