ALnS2:RE (A=K, Rb; Ln=La, Gd, Lu, Y): New optical materials family

In the presented review paper, new potentially interesting material family, RE-doped ternary sulfides ALnS2 (RE=Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Tb, Tm; A=Rb, K; Ln=La, Gd, Lu, Y) is discussed. Their synthesis is described and the structural and optical properties, characterized by methods of X-ray diffraction, time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance, are summarized and reviewed especially with respect to the influence of their composition. All samples discussed were synthesized in the form of transparent crystalline hexagonal platelets by chemical reaction under the flow of hydrogen sulfide. Their luminescence characteristics, including absorption, radioluminescence, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra and decay kinetics, were measured and evaluated in a broad temperature (8-800 K) and concentration (0.002-20% of dopants) range. The application potential of mentioned compounds in the field of white LED solid state lightings or X-ray phosphors is thoroughly discussed.