Sensitive multimode luminescence thermometry through CaZnOS:Pb²⁺/Mn²⁺ microcrystals

Developing advanced luminescent thermometers that offer various thermometry modes is essential for remote temperature measurement with high precision. In this study, a novel tri-mode optical thermometer was designed using Pb²⁺ and Mn²⁺ co-doped CaZnOS microcrystals. The structure, luminescence properties, energy transfer (ET) mechanism, and temperature sensing performance were comprehensively investigated. Dual emission of Pb²⁺ and Mn²⁺ was achieved by excitation at 290 or 358 nm. Additionally, ET from Pb²⁺ to Mn²⁺ was demonstrated in the CaZnOS host. Based on excellent temperature-dependent optical properties, parameters including luminescence intensity ratio (LIR), coordinates of Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE), and excitation intensity ratio (EIR) were developed for temperature sensing. The maximum relative sensitivity (S_r) is 2.92 % K⁻¹ (303 K) through LIR mode, 0.562 % K⁻¹ (324 K) through CIE mode, and 0.879 % K⁻¹ (303 K) through EIR mode, respectively. The excellent thermometric performance indicates the rationally designed material has great potential in multimode optical thermometry. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.