A novel long afterglow phosphor Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Zn

2+

Ti

4+

was synthesized by the solid state method. The energy transfer between persistent luminescence centers and defect centers occurs. The structures and optical properties of Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Zn

2+

Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Ti

4+

Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Zn

2+

Ti

4+

and Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Mg

2+

Ti

4+

materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD)

photoluminescence and excitation spectra

persistent luminescence spectra and decay curves and thermoluminescence. The results showed that their fluorescence properties were similar with the persistent luminescence. Their emission peaks all located at 625 nm due to

5

D

0

→

7

F

2

transition of Eu

3+

ions. In comparison

the persistent luminescence performance of Y

2

O

2

S:Eu

3+

Zn

2+

Ti

4+

sample was the best

maintaining about 1.5 h.