Li2CaSi2N4:Sm3+: A nitride-based red phosphor with excellent temperature sensitivity and cathodoluminescence for temperature sensor and FED

Temperature sensor and field emission displays (FED) are the intensive topics for Sm 3+ activated red phosphor. In this study, a novel lithium nitride red phosphor Li 2 CaSi 2 N 4 :Sm 3+ was successfully prepared by solid phase method. The photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence performances were systematically studied to explore the possibility in FED and temperature sensor applications . The results indicate that the Li 2 CaSi 2 N 4 :Sm 3+ phosphor features intense red emission under the UV light and cathode ray excitations. The phosphor also has a long red afterglow with an afterglow time of 12.7 min. Most importantly, Li 2 CaSi 2 N 4 :Sm 3+ exhibits excellent temperature sensitivity with the relative sensitivity of 4.8% K −1 @473 K, which is higher than other temperature sensor materials. The thermal quenching mechanism was proposed based on a configurational-coordinate model. Moreover, excellent cathode ray saturation and aging resistance were observed in Li 2 CaSi 2 N 4 :Sm 3+ . The results indicate that Li 2 CaSi 2 N 4 :Sm 3+ is a potential temperature sensor and FED materials.