Photo- and cathodoluminescence of Eu3+ or Tb3+ doped CaZrO3 films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract Luminescent films of Eu 3+ or Tb 3+ doped CaZrO 3 were epitaxially grown on SrTiO 3 or LaAlO 3 (001) single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). They showed a high transmittance in the visible region and a smooth surface. Uniform red photoluminescence (PL) was observed from Eu 3+ 5% doped films, and blue and green PL was observed from Tb 3+ 0.5% and 5% doped films, respectively. These PL spectra of the films turned out to be very similar to those of the powder samples. Practically, it has to be noticed the use of a LaAlO 3 substrate is necessary for intense blue luminescence for Tb 3+ 0.5% doped films to avoid optical absorption of emitted light by the SrTiO 3 substrate. The cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of the red and green luminescent films were almost the same as those PL spectra. In contrast, blue CL was significantly enhanced in CL compared to PL. This was attributed to the shorter lifetime of the 5 D 3 - 7 F J transitions and many excited electron-hole pairs, which were generated rapidly on high energy electron irradiation.