Investigations on the low voltage cathodoluminescence stability and surface chemical behaviour using Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor

Journal Article · Fri Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Materials Research Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATERRESBULL.2011.03.022· OSTI ID:22212199

Nagpure, I. M.; Kumar, Vinay; Ntwaeaborwa, O. M.; Terblans, J. J. ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein ZA9300 (South Africa)

Highlights: {yields} Stable orange-red cathodoluminescence observed from LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor. {yields} In situ Auger electron spectroscopy, while monitoring the CL output reduction, reveals surface concentration modification of Li, Sr, B and O atoms. {yields} X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the formation of SrO{sub 2} layer due to the electron stimulated surface chemical reactions (ESSCRs). This layer is possibly contributing to the surface chemical stability and prevents further degradation. -- Abstract: Orange-red emissive LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized through the solid-state reaction method. Under UV radiation (221 nm) and low-voltage electron beam (2 keV, 12 mA/cm{sup 2}) excitation, the Sm{sup 3+} doped LiSrBO{sub 3} phosphor shows emission corresponding to the characteristic {sup 4}G{sub 5/2}-{sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transitions of Sm{sup 3+} with the strongest emission at 601 nm. A high stability of cathodoluminescence (CL) emission during prolong electron bombardment with low-energy electrons was observed. Surface sensitive diagnostic tools such as Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the surface chemistry. AES results revealed modifications in the surface concentrations of Li, Sr, B, O and C on the surface of the LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor as indicated by the changes in their Auger peak to peak heights (APPH) as a function of electron dose. Observed changes in the high resolution XPS spectra of the LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} surface irradiated with the low energy electron beam provide evidence of compositional and structural changes as a result of the electron beam stimulated surface chemical reactions (ESSCRs). Additional SrO{sub 2} was identified by XPS on the phosphor surface after it received an electron dose of 300 C/cm{sup 2} together with the increase in the concentrations of chemical species containing the B-C-O bonding. The new surface chemical species formed during electron beam bombardment are possibly responsible for the stability of the CL in the LiSrBO{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor.

• OSTI ID: 22212199
• Journal Information: Materials Research Bulletin, Journal Name: Materials Research Bulletin Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 46; ISSN MRBUAC; ISSN 0025-5408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
CATHODOLUMINESCENCE
DOPED MATERIALS
ELECTRON BEAMS
SAMARIUM IONS
SURFACES
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY