Optical properties of Ce3+-doped KLuS2 phosphor

KLuS2 single crystals doped with trivalent cerium were synthesized in the form of crystalline hexagonal platelets. VUV/UV/VIS absorption and luminescence characteristics were measured in the broad temperature and concentration intervals. The band edge of KLuS2 is found at 303 nm, Ce3+ 4f–5d excitation band at 490 nm and Ce3+ emission at 580 nm with the 35 ns decay time. Both thermal and concentration quenching of the Ce3+ emission are investigated. Phenomenological modeling and delayed recombination decays measurement are employed to understand the Ce3+ excited state dynamics. The application potential in X-ray phosphors is discussed. -- Highlights: • Optical characteristics of novel Ce3+-doped KLuS2 phosphor reported. • Concentration and temperature dependences of Ce3+ emission features investigated. • Phenomenological model set up to explain observed temperature dependences. • Delayed recombination measurements employed to understand excited state dynamics. • The application potential of KLuS2: Ce in X-ray phosphors discussed