Afterglow Thermometer Using Persistent Phosphors

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of afterglow (persistent luminescence) thermometers, focusing on the fundamental aspects of temperature sensing using persistent phosphors. It addresses performance parameters, thermal response parameters, and the effect of afterglow characteristics on these thermometers. Initially, the chapter elucidates the performance parameters of the afterglow thermometer and presents the methods for their assessment, highlighting the crucial role of time-independent thermal response parameters. Subsequently, it explores the physical basis of the five principal thermal response parameters and highlights recent research advancements in afterglow thermometers. The chapter further investigates the effect of afterglow characteristics – specifically charging, trapping, and emitting – on the performance of these thermometers. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the novel benefits of photostimulated luminescence and mechanoluminescence in enhancing the functionality of afterglow thermometers.