Synthesis and characterisation of rare earth oxysulphide phosphors. I. Studies on the preparation of Gd2O2S : Tb phosphor by the flux method

Abstract

Terbium activated gadolinium oxysulphide phosphor (Gd2O2S:Tb) shows bright green luminescence and high efficiency under Xray excitation. Phosphor utilisation depends on powder characteristics and luminescence properties that are regulated during the synthesis stage. The paper presents some of our new results on the synthesis of Gd2O2S:Tb phosphor by solid-state reaction route from oxide precursors. Efficient luminescent powders utilisable in the manufacture of X-ray intensifying screens for medical diagnosis were prepared from optimised synthesis mixtures containing oxide precursors, alkaline carbonate based flux, alkaline phosphate based mineralising additives and sulphur suppliers. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.