Phosphorescence Decay in Thallium-Doped Ammonium Chloride

The phosphorescence decay rates of thallium-doped ammonium chloride (NHUChTl) phosphors, prepared by crystallization from aqueous solution, have been studied at room temperature for near-ultraviolet emission. The effects of impurity concentration as well as thermal and/or mechanical treatment on the decay rates have been examined. Phosphorescence centres consisting of a Tl+ion and a nearby negative ion vacancy are suggested to be responsible for the observed luminescence decay. The changes in the decay characteristics after pretreatments are explained on the basis of the location of the centres in normal and distorted regions of the host lattice.