ZnSMn

ZnSMn, commonly written ZnS:Mn, refers to manganese-doped zinc sulfide, a well-known luminescent phosphor. In this material, Mn2+ ions substitute for some Zn2+ ions within the ZnS host lattice, which can crystallize in either the zinc blende (sphalerite) or wurtzite structure. Typical dopant concentrations range from about 0.1 to a few percent Mn2+.

The characteristic feature of ZnS:Mn is its orange emission, arising from the Mn2+ activator centers. When the material is excited by ultraviolet or blue light, energy is transferred from the ZnS host to Mn2+, and the resulting radiative decay corresponds to the 4T1 → 6A1 transition of Mn2+. The emission is relatively broad and centered around 585–605 nanometers, producing a bright orange glow. The photoluminescence lifetime is on the order of tens to hundreds of microseconds, longer than many other phosphors, which can be advantageous for certain display and signaling applications but can limit high-speed optoelectronic use.

Synthesis methods include solid-state reactions, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal or solvothermal routes, often conducted at elevated temperatures with Mn2+ sources introduced to the ZnS powder or precursors. The optical performance depends on factors such as crystal quality, dopant distribution, particle size, and surface passivation; higher Mn2+ concentrations can lead to concentration quenching and reduced brightness.

Applications of ZnS:Mn have historically included luminous paints, electroluminescent devices, and display phosphors. It remains a widely studied system in phosphor chemistry due to its simple chemistry, tunable dopant levels, and well-characterized orange emission.