Luminescent properties of (Ce0.67Tb0.33)MnxMg1−xAl11O19 phosphor in VUV region

(Ce0.67Tb0.33)MnxMg1−xAl11O19 phosphor powder was synthesized using a simple sol–gel process. The chemical state and location of the Mn ion in the phosphor were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR). Effect of Mn ion on the luminescent properties excited by VUV (vacuum ultraviolet) was studied. The Mn ion exists as Mn2+ in the phosphor and is located at a tetrahedrally surrounded site. The emission spectrum excited by VUV is composed of lines from Tb3+ and Mn2+. The emission intensity of Tb3+ decreases while that of Mn2+ increases when the content of Mn2+ increases and concentration quenching occurs when x>0.05. Doping Mn2+ in the phosphor increases the brightness of the phosphor.