Low energy ion-electron luminescence - a new technique for the excitation of inorganic phosphors. Technical report

Technical Report · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1974

OSTI ID:7195298

Kramer, J

A new technique for the excitation of inorganic phosphors by low kinetic energy ions (<40 eV) and low kinetic energy electrons (<20 eV) has been demonstrated and characterized. The characteristic light output of the phosphor has been used as a probe of the excitation mechanism. An empirical relationship between the light output and the ion and electron currents has been determined and used to ascertain the change in light output as a function of ion and electron kinetic energy and ionization potential. The excitation mechanism starts with the formation of holes by the ion beam. Although the holes are mobile in the lattice, some of the holes get trapped. In a second step electrons interact with these trapped holes to create an excited state(s) of the phosphor. Energy is transferred to the luminescent centers resulting in the characteristic emission of the phosphor. The slow or rate-limiting step in the production of light by low energy ions and electrons is the emission of light.

• Research Organization: GTE Labs., Inc., Waltham, Mass. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7195298
• Report Number(s): AD-A-011877
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CHARGED PARTICLES
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EV RANGE
EV RANGE 01-10
EV RANGE 10-100
EXCITATION
FERMIONS
INORGANIC PHOSPHORS
IONS
LEPTONS
LUMINESCENCE
PHOSPHORS