X-ray excited ultraviolet persistent luminescence from Bi3+-doped YBO3 phosphor for information encryption applications

X-ray Stimulated ultraviolet (UV) persistent luminescence (PersL) materials are considered the optimal choice for optical imaging in X-ray imaging encryption applications due to their excitation source and emission spectra being invisible to the human eyes. However, the efficiency of X-ray excited UV PersL materials are currently limited, particularly when compared to those excited by UV. There is a need to develop UV PersL materials that can be efficiently excited by X-ray. Here we present a novel UV PersL material YBO 3 :Bi 3+ ,Li + , which exhibits high efficiency after X-ray excitation and holds promise for applications in X-ray image encryption. Through optimization of Bi 3+ concentration and addition of Li + , YBO 3 :Bi 3+ ,Li + demonstrates the capability to emit UV PersL at 326 nm after X-ray excitation, lasting for over 40 h. In addition, the experimental characterization also revealed that YBO 3 :Bi 3+ ,Li + have excellent photo-stimulated luminescence effects on white light, red light and near-infrared light sources. Furthermore, the proposed dual-mode detection capabilities demonstrate a high level of confidentiality in X-ray encryption imaging applications by leveraging excellent UV PersL performances and utilizing short time X-ray excitation.