Low-temperature synthesis and cathodoluminescence properties of borate-based thin films

Low-temperature synthesis of borate-based thin films was described in the work. Luminescent and microstructural properties in thin films of rare-earth-doped M2B5O9Cl:Eu (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) were shown. Blue cathodoluminescent characteristics of the films have been studied to determine their usefulness in field-emission display. Activation of the films occurred at temperatures suitable for the use of glass substrates in air enhanced the transition of the emission spectrum from several peaks to a sharp peak. The annealed films clearly have excellent chromaticity coordinates for the standard blue phosphors. Moreover, our results provide the possibility of tuning the blue emission at temperatures suitable for the use of glass substrates in various devices. It is suggested that our research efforts have improved the understanding of luminescence in novel thin films of phosphors, and this should lead to the necessary advancements in various devices.