Synthesis and improved photoluminescence of Eu:ZnO phosphor

Zinc oxide doped with europium has been prepared by high temperature calcination method using ZnO, Eu2O3, and LiOH. Structural characterization by Xray diffraction and optical studies by photoluminescence spectroscopy together give evidence that Eu3+ is going to the substitutional site of Zn2+. The concentration of chemicals used, sintering temperature, and time are optimized with photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy for a sharp and intense red signal which is a signature of Eu3+. Characteristic red emission at 607 nm is observed using high-energy excitation along with the native deep center emission of ZnO peaking around 525 nm.