MgGd(4)Si(3)O(13):Ce(3+), Mn(2+): A Dual-Excitation Temperature Sensor

[Image: see text] A novel apatite-based phosphor MgGd(4)Si(3)O(13)[Mg(2)Gd(8)(SiO(4))(6)O(2)]:Ce(3+), Mn(2+) was designed and successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction. Based on the different luminescence properties under 298 and 340 nm excitations, its potential application as a dual-excitation luminescent ratiometric thermometer was studied in detail. Under the excitations of 298 and 340 nm, the fluorescent intensity ratio of Ce(3+) and Mn(2+) is linearly correlated in the temperature range of 303–473 K. The sensitivity showed an opposite trend with the increase of temperature, and the maximum value was 0.95% K(–1). These results indicated that MgGd(4)Si(3)O(13): Ce(3+), Mn(2+) can be used as an ideal dual-excitation luminescent ratiometric thermometer.