Future requirements of display phosphors from an historical perspective

Abstract

Abstract— The development of emissive displays is briefly outlined and the types of phosphors they utilize are enumerated. The history of phosphor invention and development is briefly outlined up until the modern era starting in the 1930s. The first practical phosphors for CRTs and fluorescent lamps are enumerated and then the rapid developments starting after World War II and advancing through the commercial realization of rare‐earth‐based phosphors are presented. The present electronic, emissive display technologies are then presented together with the phosphor properties that they require; namely, cathodoluminescence‐based displays, photoluminescent displays, i.e., plasma and LCD backlights, and electroluminescent displays. The presently used phosphors for these displays are mentioned and then the properties of these phosphors that need further improvement are outlined. In conclusion, it is pointed out that the understanding of some phosphor properties or types has reached a considerable state of maturity, but the understanding of other phosphor types, e.g., electroluminescent phosphors, is still quite rudimentary.