PL and EL Characteristics in New Blue Emitting La2O3:Bi Phosphor Thin Films

Abstract

The electroluminescent (EL) and photoluminescent (PL) characteristics in new blue emitting Bi-activated La2O3 oxide phosphor thin films prepared using a conventional or a combinatorial r.f. magnetron sputtering deposition method followed by postannealing are investigated. Intense blue PL emission was observed from the prepared La2O3:Bi phosphor thin films. In addition, a high-luminance in blue EL emission was obtained in thin-film electroluminescent (TFEL) devices fabricated using the La2O3:Bi phosphor thin films as the emitting layer. Differences between the observed PL and EL emission spectra are attributed to the selection rule in the 6s2-6s6p transitions of Bi3+ being resolved by a high electric field applied to the La2O3:Bi phosphor thin film.