The Highly Efficient Inorganic SrF2:Gd3+, Eu3+ Phosphor for Mercury Free Fluorescence Lamps

The strong vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation absorption and energy transfer mechanism is detected in SrF_2: Gd³⁺, Eu³⁺ fluoride phosphor. The phosphor is synthesized by a wet chemical method followed by reactive atmospheric process (RAP). The Powder XRD analysis shows structural purity. The photoluminescence characteristics of SrF₂:Gd³⁺, Eu³⁺ phosphor is studied using the remote access of 4B8 window (VUV beamline) of the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) China. In this paper the mechanism of Energy transfer from the Gd³⁺ to Eu³⁺ through the cross relaxation process is investigated. The down-conversion of energy from VUV (142 nm) to visible with quantum efficiency (QE) around 124% has been detected. The PL excitation and emission characteristics of the prepared phosphor advocates it as a prominent material for the applications in mercury free fluorescent lighting (MFFL) & Plasma Display Panel.