Stress-Induced Mechanoluminescence in SrCaMgSi[sub 2]O[sub 7]:Eu

Abstract

We have revealed that phosphors emit blue-greenish light under the application of a mechanical stress, called mechanoluminescence (ML). The ML showed a similar spectrum to photoluminescence (PL), which indicated that ML is emitted from the same center of ions as PL. Such a blue-greenish light of ML emission can be seen by the naked eye when pressing the sample. In addition, the ML intensity of proportionally increased with the increase of mechanical load.