Dual heterogeneous interfaces enhance X-ray excited persistent luminescence for low-dose 3D imaging

Abstract

Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs) showcase adjustable X-ray-excited persistent luminescence (XEPL), holding significant promise for applications in three-dimensional (3D) imaging through the creation of flexible X-ray detectors. However, a dangerous high X-ray irradiation dose rate and complicated heating procedure are required to generate efficient XEPL for high-resolution 3D imaging, which is attributed to a lack of strategies to significantly enhance the XEPL intensity. Here we report that the XEPL intensity of a series of lanthanide activators (Dy, Pr, Er, Tm, Gd, Tb) is greatly improved by constructing dual heterogeneous interfaces in a double-shell nanostructure. Mechanistic studies indicate that the employed core@shell@shell structure could not only passivate the surface quenchers to lower the non-radiative relaxation possibility, but also reduce the interfacial Frenkel defect formation energy leading to increase the trap concentration. By employing a NPs containing flexible film as the scintillation screen, the inside 3D electrical structure of a watch was clearly achieved based on the delayed XEPL imaging and 3D reconstruction procedure. We foresee that these findings will promote the development of advanced X-ray activated persistent fluoride NPs and offer opportunities for safer and more efficient X-ray imaging techniques in a number of scientific and practical areas.

Stimulated-source-independent persistent luminescence phosphor Sr2Ta2O7:Tb3+, Tm3+ for multi-mode anti-counterfeiting applications

“…The former includes emission that peaked at 415 and 435 nm ( 5 D 3 → 7 F 5,4 ), while the latter includes emission lines at 490, 541, 590, and 620 nm ( 5 D 4 → 7 F 6,5,4,3 ). 29,30 To determine the optimal content of Tb 3+ , the varying PL intensity curve was plotted as a function of Tb 3+ concentration in samples STO: x %Tb 3+ ( x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9). As depicted in Fig.…”

A NaBiF4:Gd/Tb nanoscintillator for high-resolution X-ray imaging

“…Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoscintillators have received tremendous attention due to their high photochemical stability 24–28 and tunable X-ray excited optical luminescence 29,30 compared to the traditional inorganic scintillators. However, the limited availability and high cost of rare earth compounds restricts the commercialization of these scintillator materials.…”

Enabling Multimodal Luminescence in a Single Nanoparticle for X-ray Imaging Encryption and Anticounterfeiting

“…Recently, high-energy radiation has been used to construct suitable defect states in fluoride nanoparticles to achieve delayed emissions. − Interestingly, the use of X-ray irradiation can form rich defect states in fluoride nanoparticles (e.g., NaYF 4 ) and results in persistent luminescence (PersL). , This is attributed to the energy transfer from the defect states to the emitter under thermal disturbance after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, X-ray irradiation can also enable mechanoluminescence (ML) in nanoparticles (e.g., NaLuF 4 :Tb 3+ ) through the release of energy in trap states under applying force stimuli .…”