Effect of NaF flux on structure and luminescence of YAG:Ce phosphor

Spherical-like Y3Al5O12:Ce(YAG:Ce) phosphor powders with good photoluminescence intensities were prepared by co-precipitation containing NaF flux. XRD analysis shows that phase-pure phosphors can be obtained at temperatures about 1 100 degrees C and their crystallization enhance with increasing content of NaF flux. From SEM photographs, as-prepared particles are spherical-like shapes, narrow size distributions with mean size mostly at 1 mu m. The optimal photoluminescence intensity of the YAG:Ce phosphor powders were obtained on the condition of containing 6%NaF. Apart from being used as flux in process of phosphor synthesis, Na+ ion in NaF is also the charge compensator. In addition, mechanism of photoluminescence peak blue shift for YAG:Ce phosphor caused by NaF flux is also discussed.