Identification and optimization of advanced phosphors using combinatorial libraries

A combination of thin-film deposition and physical masking steps were used to generate libraries of the rare earth activated refractory metal oxides, Gd(La,Sr)AlOx. Systematic variation of composition and processing conditions afforded tricolor phosphors with the following nominal compositions, (Gd0.46Sr0.31)Al1.23OxF1.38:Eu-0.06(2+) (green), La0.5Al1.5Ox:Eu-0.04(2+) (blue), and Gd0.77Al1.23Ox:Eu-0.06(2+) (red), which had quantum efficiencies of greater than or equal to 94%, similar or equal to 60%, and greater than or equal to 93%, respectively at lambda(max)(ex). The high quenching temperatures (250-350 degrees C), good chromaticities and refractory nature of these phosphors are desirable features for display applications. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.