Red-emitting LaOF:Eu3+ phosphors: Synthesis, structure and their Judd–Ofelt analysis for LED applications

• Red-emitting LaOF:Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized via facile solid state route.
• Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters and radiative properties were determined from PL data.
• CIE color coordinates of LaOF:Eu3+ phosphor is close to the commercial red phosphors.
• Eu3+-activated LaOF phosphor is a potential candidate for the production of red component in white LEDs.

In the present study, we have synthesized a series of La1−xEuxOF (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) phosphors by the conventional solid-state reaction route at relatively low temperature (500 °C) and shorter duration of 2 h. The compounds were crystallized in the rhombohedral structure with the space group R-3m (No. 166). Upon UV excitation (254 nm), the photoluminescence spectra exhibit characteristic luminescence 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 1, 2, 3, and 4) intra-4f shell Eu3+ ion transitions. An intense red emission peak at 610 nm was observed due to electric dipole (5D0 → 7F2) transition. Judd–Ofelt theory was employed to evaluate various radiative parameters such as radiative emission rates, lifetime, branching and asymmetry ratios. CIE color coordinates confirmed the red emission of the phosphors. The luminescent results reveal that LaOF:Eu3+ phosphor can be used as potential candidate for developing red component in white LED applications.

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