Effect of Sm3+ ions doping on the structural and optical properties, Judd-Ofelt and radiative parameters of ZnS phosphor materials.

Undoped ZnS and Sm3+ doped with varying concentration of ZnS phosphor materials were synthesized via low temperature solid state reaction method. The samples were investigated for the influence of different concentrations of Sm3+ ions on their structural and spectroscopic properties. The presence of various absorption bands in UV–Vis–NIR spectra revealed the transition from ground state to different excited states of Sm3+ ions. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) analyses were evaluated to identify the structure and the bonding around the Sm3+ ions. The high value of Ω 2 intensity parameter reveals that the site symmetry is lower. The parameters such as radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetime, branching ratio, stimulated emission cross-sections and the optical gain parameters are also evaluated. The PL spectra shows five high intensity emission bands centered at 567 nm, 590 nm, 619 nm, 641 nm and 667 nm corresponding to 4G 5/2 →6Hj (j = 5/2, 7/2,9/2, 11/2, 13/2) transitions and showed optimum for concentration at x = 0.03 in Zn (1- x) S. The quantum yield of the prepared optimal phosphor using integrating sphere method was found to be 10.08%. This indicates that the materials synthesized may be favorable for the applications of laser and other optical devices. • Hexagonal structured undoped and Sm3+ doped ZnS phosphor were prepared. • The positive value of bonding parameter reveals its covalent nature. • Judd-Ofelt analysis were performed and trend observed is Ω 2 >Ω 4 >Ω 6. • x = 0.03 in Zn (1-x) Sm x S show maximum emission with life time 1.661 ms. • The prepared phosphor could be an excellent candidate for photonic displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]