Synthesis, optical and thermal properties of novel Tb3+ doped RbCaF3 fluoroperovskite phosphors

Phosphors of pure and Tb3+ doped RbCaF3 were synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method. The structure and morphology of the phosphors were characterized, using powder XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The presence of the functional groups was confirmed by using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) spectral analysis. The absorption bands of Tb3+ ions with peaks at 220, 266 and 363 nm were observed in the RbCaF3: Tb3+. The sharp emission was observed at 539 nm for Tb3+ doped RbCaF3 phosphors with CIE chromaticity coordinates (x = 0.233, y = 0.337). The luminescence quantum efficiency was determined and the decay profile was obtained and analyzed. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve shows four peaks at 79, 115, 207 and 310 degrees C. Of these four peaks, the two which are at higher temperature can be considered for the dosimetric applications. The experimental results demonstrated that the Tb3+ doped RbCaF3 green emitting phosphor is a potential candidate for white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) pumped by UV chip. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.