Abstract: A red-emitting phosphor comprises a nitride-based composition represented by the chemical formula M(x/v)M?2Si5-xAlxN8:RE, wherein: M is at least one monovalent, divalent or trivalent metal with valence v; M? is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn; and RE is at least one of Eu, Ce, Tb, Pr, and Mn; wherein x satisfies 0.1?x<0.4, and wherein the phosphor has the general crystalline structure M?2Si5N8:RE, Al substitutes for Si within the crystalline structure, and M is located substantially at interstitial sites. Furthermore, the phosphor is configured such that 1,000 hours of aging at 85° C. and 85% humidity results in a deviation in chromaticity coordinates CIE ?x and ?y of less than about 0.03. Furthermore, the phosphor absorbs radiation in the UV and blue and emits light with a photoluminescence peak wavelength within the range from about 620 to 650 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to nitride-based, red-emitting phosphors in red, green, and blue (RGB) lighting systems, which in turn may be used in backlighting displays and warm white-light applications. In particular embodiments, the red-emitting phosphor is based on CaAlSiN3 type compounds activated with divalent europium. In one embodiment, the nitride-based, red emitting compound contains a solid solution of calcium and strontium compounds (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+, wherein the impurity oxygen content is less than about 2 percent by weight. In another embodiment, the (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+ compounds further contains a halogen in an amount ranging from about zero to about 2 atomic percent, where the halogen may be fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment at least half of the halogen is distributed on 2-fold coordinated nitrogen (N2) sites relative to 3-fold coordinated nitrogen (N3) sites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are green-emitting, garnet-based phosphors having the formula (Lu1-a-b-cYaTbbAc)3(Al1-dBd)5(O1-eCe)12:Ce,Eu, where A is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca, and Ba; B is selected from the group consisting of Ga and In; C is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br; and 0?a?1; 0?b?1; 0<c?0.5; 0?d?1; and 0<e?0.2. These phosphors are distinguished from anything in the art by nature of their inclusion of both an alkaline earth and a halogen. Their peak emission wavelength may lie between about 500 nm and 540 nm; in one embodiment, the phosphor (Lu,Y,A)3Al5(O,F,Cl)12:Eu2+ has an emission at 540 nm. The FWHM of the emission peak lies between 80 nm and 150 nm. The present green garnet phosphors may be combined with a red-emitting, nitride-based phosphor such as CaAlSiN3 to produce white light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cerium doped, garnet phosphors emitting in the yellow region of the spectrum, and having the general formula (Y,A)3(Al,B)5(O,C)12:Ce3+, where A is Tb, Gd, Sm, La, Sr, Ba, Ca, and/or Mg, and substitutes for Y, B is Si, Ge, B, P, and/or Ga, and substitutes for Al, and C is F, Cl, N, and/or S, where C substitutes for O. Relative to a solid-state-reaction method, the instant co-precipitation methods provide a more homogeneous mixing environment to enhance the distribution of the Ce3+ activator in the YAG matrix. Such a uniform distribution has the benefit of an increased emission intensity. The primary particle size of the as-prepared phosphor is about 200 nm, with a narrow distribution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to nitride-based, red-emitting phosphors in red, green, and blue (RGB) lighting systems, which in turn may be used in backlighting displays and warm white-light applications. In particular embodiments, the red-emitting phosphor is based on CaAlSiN3 type compounds activated with divalent europium. In one embodiment, the nitride-based, red emitting compound contains a solid solution of calcium and strontium compounds (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+, wherein the impurity oxygen content is less than about 2 percent by weight. In another embodiment, the (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+ compounds further contains a halogen in an amount ranging from about zero to about 2 atomic percent, where the halogen may be fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment at least half of the halogen is distributed on 2-fold coordinated nitrogen (N2) sites relative to 3-fold coordinated nitrogen (N3) sites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cerium doped, garnet phosphors emitting in the yellow region of the spectrum, and having the general formula (Y,A)3(Al,B)5(O,C)12:Ce3+, where A is Tb, Gd, Sm, La, Sr, Ba, Ca, and/or Mg, and substitutes for Y, B is Si, Ge, B, P, and/or Ga, and substitutes for Al, and C is F, Cl, N, and/or S, where C substitutes for O. Relative to a solid-state-reaction method, the instant co-precipitation methods provide a more homogeneous mixing environment to enhance the distribution of the Ce3+ activator in the YAG matrix. Such a uniform distribution has the benefit of an increased emission intensity. The primary particle size of the as-prepared phosphor is about 200 nm, with a narrow distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cerium doped, garnet phosphors emitting in the yellow region of the spectrum, and having the general formula (Y,A)3(Al,B)5(O,C)12:Ce3+, where A is Tb, Gd, Sm, La, Sr, Ba, Ca, and/or Mg, and substitutes for Y, B is Si, Ge, B, P, and/or Ga, and substitutes for Al, and C is F, Cl, N, and/or S, where C substitutes for O. Relative to a solid-state-reaction method, the instant co-precipitation methods provide a more homogeneous mixing environment to enhance the distribution of the Ce3+ activator in the YAG matrix. Such a uniform distribution has the benefit of an increased emission intensity. The primary particle size of the as-prepared phosphor is about 200 nm, with a narrow distribution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed a ?-SiAlON:Eu2+ based green emitting phosphor having the formula Eux(A1)6?z(A2)zOyN8?z(A3)2(x+z?y), where 0<z?4.2; 0?y?z; 0<x?0.1; A1 is Si, C, Ge, and/or Sn; A2 is Al, B, Ga, and/or In; A3 is F, Cl, Br, and/or I. The new set of compounds described by Eux(A1)6?z(A2)zOyN8?z(A3)2(x+z?y) have the same structure as ?-Si3N4. Both elements A1 and A2 reside on Si sites, and both O and N occupy the nitrogen sites of the ?-Si3N4 crystal structure. A molar quantity (z?y) of the A3?anion (defined as a halogen) reside on nitrogen sites.

Abstract: Novel two-phase yellow phosphors are disclosed having a peak emission intensity at wavelengths ranging from about 555 nm to about 580 nm when excited by a radiation source having a wavelength ranging from 220 nm to 530 nm. The present phosphors may be represented by the formula a[Srx(M1)1-x]zSiO4.(1-a)[Sry(M2)1-y]uSiO5:Eu2+D, wherein M1 and M2 are at least one of a divalent metal such as Ba, Mg, Ca, and Zn, the values of a, x, y, z and u follow the following relationships: 0.6?a?0.85; 0.3?x?0.6; 0.85?y?1; 1.5?z?2.5; 2.6?u?3.3; and Eu and D each range from 0.001 to about 0.5. D is an anion selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, S, and N, and at least some of the D anion replaces oxygen in the host silicate lattice of the phosphor. The present yellow phosphors have applications in high brightness white LED illumination systems, LCD display panels, plasma display panels, and yellow LEDs and illumination systems.

Abstract: Novel green phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+ cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+ cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, N, and P; A3 is a 1?, 2?, or 3? anion, including F, Cl, Br, and S; and x is any value between 1.5 and 2.5, both inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These green phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 480 nm. They have applications in green illumination systems, red-green-blue backlighting systems, white LEDs, and plasma display panels (PDPs).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to nitride-based, red-emitting phosphors in red, green, and blue (RGB) lighting systems, which in turn may be used in backlighting displays and warm white-light applications. In particular embodiments, the red-emitting phosphor is based on CaAlSiN3 type compounds activated with divalent europium. In one embodiment, the nitride-based, red emitting compound contains a solid solution of calcium and strontium compounds (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+, wherein the impurity oxygen content is less than about 2 percent by weight. In another embodiment, the (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+ compounds further contains a halogen in an amount ranging from about zero to about 2 atomic percent, where the halogen may be fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment at least half of the halogen is distributed on 2-fold coordinated nitrogen (N2) sites relative to 3-fold coordinated nitrogen (N3) sites.

Abstract: Novel orange phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x,(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+ cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+ cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, P; A3 is a 1?, 2?, or 3? anion, including F, Cl, and Br; and x is any value between 2.5 and 3.5, inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These orange phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 565 nm. They have applications in white LED illumination systems, plasma display panels, and in orange and other colored LED systems.

Abstract: Novel two-phase yellow phosphors are disclosed having a peak emission intensity at wavelengths ranging from about 555 nm to about 580 nm when excited by a radiation source having a wavelength ranging from 220 nm to 530 nm. The present phosphors may be represented by the formula a[Srx(M1)1-x]zSiO4.(1-a)[Sry(M2)1-y]uSiO5:Eu2+D, wherein M1 and M2 are at least one of a divalent metal such as Ba, Mg, Ca, and Zn, the values of a, x, y, z and u follow the following relationships: 0.6?a?0.85; 0.3?x?0.6; 0.85?y?1; 1.5?z?2.5; 2.6?u?3.3; and Eu and D each range from 0.001 to about 0.5. D is an anion selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, S, and N, and at least some of the D anion replaces oxygen in the host silicate lattice of the phosphor. The present yellow phosphors have applications in high brightness white LED illumination systems, LCD display panels, plasma display panels, and yellow LEDs and illumination systems.

Abstract: Novel green phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, N, and P; A3 is a 1-, 2-, or 3-anion, including F, Cl, Br, and S; and x is any value between 1.5 and 2.5, both inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These green phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 480 nm. They have applications in green illumination systems, red-green-blue backlighting systems, white LEDs, and plasma display panels (PDPs).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the fluorescence of a nitride-based deep red phosphor having at least one of the following novel features: 1) an oxygen content less than about 2 percent by weight, and 2) a halogen content. Such phosphors are particularly useful in the white light illumination industry, which utilizes the so-called “white LED.” The selection and use of a rare earth halide as a raw material source of not only the activator for the phosphor, but also the halogen, is a key feature of the present embodiments. The present phosphors have the general formula MaMbBC(N,D):Eu2+, where Ma is a divalent alkaline earth metal such as Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; Mb is a trivalent metal such as Al, Ga, Bi, Y, La, and Sm; and Mc is a tetravalent element such as Si, Ge, P, and B; N is nitrogen, and D is a halogen such as F, Cl, or Br. An exemplary compound is CaAlSi(N1-xFx): Eu2+.

Abstract: Novel two-phase yellow phosphors are disclosed having a peak emission intensity at wavelengths ranging from about 555 nm to about 580 nm when excited by a radiation source having a wavelength ranging from 220 nm to 530 nm. The present phosphors may be represented by the formula a[Srx(M1)1?x]zSiO4.(1-a)[Sry(M2)1?y]uSiO5:Eu2+D, wherein M1 and M2 are at least one of a divalent metal such as Ba, Mg, Ca, and Zn, the values of a, x, y, z and u follow the following relationships: 0.6?a?0.85; 0.3?x?0.6; 0.85?y?1; 1.5?z?2.5; 2.6?u?3.3; and Eu and D each range from 0.001 to about 0.5. D is an anion selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, S, and N, and at least some of the D anion replaces oxygen in the host silicate lattice of the phosphor. The present yellow phosphors have applications in high brightness white LED illumination systems, LCD display panels, plasma display panels, and yellow LEDs and illumination systems.

Abstract: Novel green phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+ cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+ cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, N, and P; A3 is a 1?, 2?, or 3? anion, including F, Cl, Br, and S; and x is any value between 1.5 and 2.5, both inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These green phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 480 nm. They have applications in green illumination systems, red-green-blue backlighting systems, white LEDs, and plasma display panels (PDPs).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cerium doped, garnet phosphors emitting in the yellow region of the spectrum, and having the general formula (Y,A)3(Al,B)5(O,C)12:Ce3+, where A is Tb, Gd, Sm, La, Sr, Ba, Ca, and/or Mg, and substitutes for Y, B is Si, Ge, B, P, and/or Ga, and substitutes for Al, and C is F, Cl, N, and/or S, where C substitutes for O. Relative to a solid-state-reaction method, the instant co-precipitation methods provide a more homogeneous mixing environment to enhance the distribution of the Ce3+ activator in the YAG matrix. Such a uniform distribution has the benefit of an increased emission intensity. The primary particle size of the as-prepared phosphor is about 200 nm, with a narrow distribution.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems to prepare replicate arrays from master arrays of liquid solutions. Replicate arrays of liquid solutions can be reacted to form product solid inorganic material arrays for analysis and selection of optimum processes and products with desirable properties.

Abstract: Novel orange phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x,(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+ cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+ cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, P; A3 is a 1?, 2?, or 3? anion, including F, Cl, and Br; and x is any value between 2.5 and 3.5, inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These orange phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 565 nm. They have applications in white LED illumination systems, plasma display panels, and in orange and other colored LED systems.