Probing local structure in the yellow phosphor LaSr[subscript 2]AlO[subscript 5]:Ce[superscript 3+], by the maximum entropy method and pair distribution function analysis

The compound LaSr{sub 2}AlO{sub 5} was recently introduced as a competitive Ce{sup 3+} host material for blue-pumped yellow phosphors for use in white light emitting diodes. A crucial feature of the crystal structure of LaSr{sub 2}AlO{sub 5} is that La, which is the host site for Ce{sup 3+}, is located in the 8h positions of the I4/mcm crystal structure, a site equally shared with Sr. While the average crystal structure of LaSr{sub 2}AlO{sub 5} as revealed by Rietveld analysis of laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction data suggests nothing untoward, maximum entropy method analysis of the synchrotron X-ray data reveals the existence of conspicuous non-sphericity of the electron density. Pair distribution function analysis of the data suggests that despite their occupying the same crystallographic site, La and Sr possess distinct coordination environments, and the environment around La is more compact and regular than the environment suggested by the Rietveld refinement of the average structure. The absorption and emission from Ce{sup 3+} centers is controlled by the local coordination and symmetry, and the use of powerful new tools in unraveling details of these strengthens the rational search for new phosphors for solid state white lighting.