Fabrication and luminescent properties of artificial luminous gem

Abstract Based on the matrix of alkali-earth-aluminate, the luminous gem is artificially manufactured, doped with Eu 2+ as activator and Dy 3+ as hole trap. The morphology and crystal structure of the luminous gem are analyzed by scan electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The excitation and emission spectra of the gem are broad band, and the main emission band is around 514 nm. The decay times of the artificial luminous gem and the long afterglow phosphor are measured. The results indicate that the artificial luminous gem has high initial luminescent brightness and slow decay process. The gem could glow continuously for over 25 h in the darkness after absorbs natural light. They have high degree of hardness and no radioactivity just like “night shinning jewel”. This product can have great potential applications in jewelry industry.