This article reports a new phosphorescent material, CaZnOS:Cu, that exhibits two types of mechano-optical conversion: mechanical quenching and mechanoluminescence. An intense mechanical quenching of phosphorescence corresponding to mechanical stimuli can be achieved in CaZnOS:Cu within a short decay time period. Over time, it gradually changes to mechanoluminescence when a mechanical load is applied. We propose that the mechanical quenching and mechanoluminescence arise from the different roles

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... of shallow and deep traps in CaZnOS:Cu. CaZnOS:Cu has promising applications in monitoring mechanical stress in industrial plants, structures, and living bodies.