Saturation effects in Y2SiO5:Tb under low-voltage excitation

Low-voltage field emission device phosphors that are excited at high current densities often exhibit brightness saturation with increasing current. The physical processes responsible for saturation can be complex, with several mechanisms contributing, including ground state depletion and excited energy transfer. A two-level model, in conjunction with cathodoluminescence brightness and transient measurements, is used to show the influence of ground state depletion and thermal quenching on the saturation behavior of Y2SiO5:Tb under low-voltage excitation.