Blue-emitting LaAlO 3 :Tm 3+ , In 3+ phosphors for field emission displays

Tm3+ and In3+ co-doped LaAlO3 phosphors were prepared by a Pechini sol–gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and cathodoluminescence spectrum. The phosphor is composed of slightly aggregated particles with approximately spherical shape and a narrow size range of 1.0–1.5 μm. Under voltage electron beam excitation, the phosphor shows the characteristic emissions of Tm3+. All the color purity, radiant efficiency, luminous efficiency, and stability of the optimum LaAlO3:0.01Tm3+, 0.04In3+ phosphor are superior to these of commercial ZnS:Ag,Cl phosphor. These tests suggest that it could be a potential candidate as a blue phosphor for field emission displays.