A stochastic analysis based on a one-dimensional random walk model of the persistent phosphorescence of Mn ions doped in zinc magnesium phosphate.

We investigate the mechanism of the persistent phosphorescence (PP) of β-Zn3(PO4)2:Mn2+ and γ-(Zn2+,Mg2+)3(PO4)2:Mn2+ systems via stochastic analysis. An electron hopping mechanism, recombining electrons with Mn3+ ions, is proposed to elucidate the long-tailed decay feature that represents a non-exponential decay curve for the PP intensity change over time. A simulation using a one-dimensional random walk for the electron hopping in the host material successfully reproduces the PP decay curve.