Laser synthesis and luminescence properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors

Abstract

A laser melting method has been developed for the synthesis of highly luminescent, long-lasting SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors. The high temperature achieved in high-power density CO2 laser irradiation of mixtures of SrCO3, Al2O3, Eu2O3, and Dy2O3 enabled the one-step, fast synthesis of these phosphors in air at atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy characterization studies reveal that the produced materials consist of monoclinic SrAl2O4 grains extensively surrounded by rare-earth ion-enriched grain boundaries. The photoluminescence properties of laser-produced SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ materials are discussed. The results reported here suggest that this laser melting method is a promising route for the synthesis of ceramic phosphors. It is presented as an alternative to the conventional sol–gel and solid-state methods, which require the use of high-temperature furnaces, flux additives, and reducing atmospheres. ; The authors acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN, projects CEN-20072014, SOL-00030930, MAT2010-18519 and MAT2010-19837-C06-06), IMPLASER 99 S.L.L. (http://www.implaser.com), and the regional Government of Aragón (Spain, project PI119/09, and Excellence Research Groups Program T87). ; Peer Reviewed