Deformation Stimulated Luminescence of a Composite Produced on the Basis of Polymethylmethacrylate Transparent in the Visible Region and Finely Dispersed Powder of SrAl2O4:(Eu2+, Dy3+) Phosphor

Abstract

Mechanoluminescence of a composite material on the basis of polymethyl methacrylate and finely dispersed powder of SrAl₂O₄:(Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺) phosphor was investigated. The mechanoluminescent (sensory) layer sensitive to mechanical action was formed directly in the surface layer of the polymethyl methacrylate that is transparent in the visible region of the spectrum. The kinetics of mechanoluminescence and the photoluminescence spectra of the SrAl₂O₄:(Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺) phosphor microparticles in the polymethyl methacrylate matrix were studied. Photoluminescence was excited by nanosecond laser pulses with a wavelength of λ = 355 nm, and mechanoluminescence was initiated by an acoustic wave generated by short laser pulses, shock mechanical action with hammer device, or dynamic pressure of the stylus sliding along the surface of the sensory layer.