An integrated first principles and experimental investigation of the relationship between structural rigidity and quantum efficiency in phosphors for solid state lighting

Jungmin Ha, Zhenbin Wang, Ekaterina Novitskaya, Gustavo A. Hirata, Olivia A. Graeve, Shyue Ping Ong*, Joanna McKittrick

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We outline an integrated approach for exploring novel near-UV excited phosphors. To test the hypothesis of whether high host structural rigidity results in phosphors with high quantum efficiency (Φ), we calculated the Debye temperatures (Θ) for 27 host materials using density functional theory calculations. We identified Eu2+-activated Ca7Mg(SiO4)4 and CaMg(SiO3)2 as having a relatively high Θ=601 K and 665 K, respectively, and predicted excitation energies of 3.18 eV (337 nm) and 3.29 eV (377 nm), respectively, both of which are in good agreement with the results of photoluminescence spectroscopy. However, the measured Φ for these two phosphors was < 30%, which indicates that Θ alone is not a sufficient condition for a high Φ. This work demonstrates the potential of combined first-principles calculations and experiments in the discovery and design of novel near-UV excited phosphors. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)297-305
JournalJournal of Luminescence
Volume179
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Funding

This work is supported by the United States National Science Foundation, Ceramics Program Grant DMR-1411192.

Research Keywords

  • Debye temperature
  • Density functional theory
  • Eu2+ activation
  • First-principles calculation
  • Near-UV phosphors
  • Quantum efficiency

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An integrated first principles and experimental investigation of the relationship between structural rigidity and quantum efficiency in phosphors for solid state lighting'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this