Optimization of Cerium Doped Garnets Using Combinatorial Chemistry for Application as Luminescent Conversion Phosphors in White LEDs

Abstract

ABSTRACTAn area of considerable research interest is the development of visible light, down- conversion phosphors for application in white light emitting diodes (LEDs). In such devices, a blue LED can act as the primary light source, exciting photoluminescence in a phosphor with subsequent broad band emission occurring at visible wavelengths of lower energy. A combinatorial approach to synthesize and screen potential inorganic phosphors for such an application has been developed. Using solution chemistry techniques, solid state thin film arrays of (Y1−xGdx)3-z(Al1−yGay)5O12:Ce3+Z, where x and y range from 0 to 1.0 and z is equal to 0.03 were synthesized. Subsequent characterization demonstrates that the combinatorial approach can be used to rapidly screen potential phosphors for use as luminescence down-converters in white LEDs. Emission and excitation trends match those reported in the literature for traditionally prepared powder samples. The optimal Ce3+ concentration in Y3Al5O12 (YAG) was identified as approximately 1.5 mol%, and within the YAG-substituted host specific compositions were identified as promising blue to yellow phosphor candidates.