Luminescent Properties of Er-Doped ZnO Phosphors

Abstract

Effects of doping concentration and annealing atmosphere on the luminescent properties of <TEX>$Er^{3+}$</TEX> doped ZnO phosphor powders were investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO:Er exhibit an orange emission band at around 575 nm, while those of pure ZnO show a green emission at 520 nm. Emission difference between ZnO:Er and pure ZnO is attributed to the energy transfer of Er ions in ZnO. The highest PL intensity is obtained by doping 1 mol% Er to ZnO. Luminescent properties of ZnO:Er phosphors annealed at <TEX>$N_2$</TEX>+vacuum atmosphere are superior to those annealed at <TEX>$N_2$</TEX> atmosphere.