Blue-emitting AlN:Eu2+ nitride phosphor for field emission displays

An Eu2+-activated AlN phosphor was synthesized by firing the powder mixture of AlN, α-Si3N4, and Eu2O3 at 2050°C for 4h under 1.0MPa N2. This nitride phosphor emits a strong blue color with the chromaticity coordinates of x=0.139 and y=0.106 at an accelerating voltage of 3kV. The cathodoluminescence properties of AlN:Eu2+ was evaluated by utilizing it in the Spindt-type field emission display panel. It shows that the nitride phosphor exhibits higher brightness, higher color purity, lower saturation, and longer lifetime than the currently used Y2SiO5:Ce3+, indicative of the suitability of the AlN:Eu2+ blue phosphor in field emission displays.