Abstract:A series of LiGa5O8∶Cr3+, M4+ (M= Si, Ge, Sn) nearinfrared persistent phosphors were successfully prepared by solid state reaction method. The influence of doping Si4+, Ge4+, or Sn4+ ions on photoluminescence, long persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence properties was systematically investigated. The results indicate that these phosphors exhibit persistent luminescence in the 650~800nm wavelength range dominated at 717nm originated from the characteristic 2E→4A2 transition of Cr3+ ions, and the persistent luminescence performance of phosphors was significantly enhanced after the incorporation of Si4+, Ge4+, or Sn4+ ions. Thermoluminescence spectra indicate that the incorporation of Si4+, Ge4+, or Sn4+ ions contributes to the formation defects and increases the number of traps, thus improving the persistent luminescence properties of phosphors.