Formulation of phosphorescence mechanisms in inorganic solids based on a new model of defect conglomeration

The phosphorescence mechanisms of various phosphors were explored by taking into consideration the presence of interactions between dopant cations and vacancies as well as the effect of co-dopant cations on these interactions. Our study indicates that the distribution of dopant and co-dopant cations around vacancies is not random, and luminescent properties are strongly influenced by this nonrandom distribution. To a first approximation, the ionization potentials of dopants, co-dopants, and host cations can be used to rationalize their tendencies for this nonrandom distribution. On the basis of our analysis, we explained the properties of known phosphorescent materials, examined several factors important for designing new improved phosphors, and discussed how point defects might affect phosphorescence as well as fluorescence.