Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.

Disclosed is a composite particle for use in a marking that is suitable for identification/authentication purposes. The particle comprises at least one superparamagnetic portion and at least one thermoluminescent portion coated with an thermoisolating portion. Optionally also a thermoconductive portion between the superparamagnetic and thermoluminscent portions.

Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.

Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.

Disclosed is a composite particle for use in a marking that is suitable for identification/authentication purposes. The particle comprises at least one superparamagnetic portion and at least one thermoluminescent portion and optionally also a thermoconductive portion between the superparamagnetic and thermoluminscent portions.

Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.

A method of preparing a mechanoluminescent material includes the steps of: a) providing a mixture including precursors of a base material, a fluxing agent, and at least one lanthanide ion; b) heat-treating the mixture to obtain the mechanoluminescent material; and c) optionally grinding the mechanoluminescent material into powder form; wherein the fluxing agent facilitates incorporation of the at least one lanthanide ion into the base material. A composite material includes a first mechanoluminescent material, wherein the first mechanoluminescent material includes at least 2-3 mol % of a lanthanide ion.

Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.

According to one embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer, and a first member. The first member includes a first layer and a second layer. A direction from the second layer to the first layer is along a first direction from the photoelectric conversion layer to the first member. The first layer includes a plurality of particles and an intermediate region provided in at least a part of location between the plurality of particles. The plurality of particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur and zinc. The intermediate region includes a rare earth element. The second layer includes a metal fluoride.

Phosphors include a CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase, wherein the CaAlSiN.sub.3 family crystal phase comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb.