An Advanced Nanophosphor Technology for General Illumination

78891S In conventional, micrometer-scale, phosphors, strong light scattering at grain boundaries decreases light out put. In addition, conventional phosphors obtained by the solid state sintering method have a lower concentration quenching threshold due to non-uniform doping. Nano-scale phosphors would be candidates for avoiding these problems, but the cost of the conventional sol gel method to produce nano-phosphors is too high, due to low solubility of metal alkoxides. This project will develop a salted sol gel (SSG) method that can prepare nano-phosphors in sizes from tens to hundreds nanometers. These scales are shorter than the light wavelength and, therefore, can reduce scattering. SSG also can improve doping uniformity and lift the concentration quenching threshold. Finally, SSG is capable of mass production at low cost. In Phase I, high energy efficient nano-phosphors, such as conventional YAG:Ce and novel R2O3:Ce, will be prepared. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: SSG phosphors should become low cost, added value products. They should find use not only for LEDs but also for OLEDs, FLLs, TVs, notebooks, and monitors ¿ almost any type of lighting and display application. SSG technology also should find use in any application related to nano-particles or nano-composites.