Novel single-host Al_1−xSi_xC_xN_1−x: Mn²⁺ white phosphors for field emission displays

A white-emitting novel Al_1−xSi_x C_x N_1−x: Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor was synthesized by introducing SiC into AlN: Mn²⁺at the temperature as low as 1500 °C. The influence of Mn²⁺ and SiC doping concentration on the structure, morphology and luminescent properties was systematically investigated by XRD, EDS, solid state NMR, FESEM, and PL. The relatively low calcination temperature endows AlN: Mn²⁺ with different luminescent properties. Under 254 nm UV excitation, it not only exhibits a characteristic red emission from Mn²⁺ but also covers a broad violet-blue-green emission from defects. The CIE coordinates (0.2999, 0.2510) precisely locate in the white region. With the introduction of SiC, an increasing of the red emission from Mn²⁺ is observed, while no variation occurs for the defect emission. The maximum red luminescence is attained for the composition of x = 0.05 that has an improved thermal stability by 20%. Finally, a low-voltage FED device was fabricated by using Al_0.95Si_0.05C_0.05N_0.95: 0.7% Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor. Under low-voltage excitation, it exhibits a high brightness, low saturation, and good color stability, which makes Al_1−xSi_xC_xN_1−x: Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor have a great potential for full color FEDs.