The depths and relative densities of the traps in a series of SrAl2O4:
Eu2+, Ln (14 rare-earths) phosphors are measured with a transient lumi
nescence method. The observed hole activation energies (trap depths) a
re quite different across the series and related to the ionization pot
ential and 4f(n)-4f(n-1)5d transition energies of the divalent ions of
this series, reflecting the 4f-electron interaction energy of each ra
re earth ion.