Vacuum ultraviolet characteristics of fine GdPO₄:Tb phosphor particles with spherical shape

GdPO₄:Tb phosphor particles with spherical shape and high photoluminescence were prepared by spray pyrolysis. The brightness of the prepared GdPO₄:Tb under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) illumination was comparable with that of commercial Zn₂SiO₄:Mn phosphor particles. The spherical morphology of prepared GdPO₄:Tb particles was completely maintained even after post treatment up to 1100°C. When the post treatment temperature was over 1100°C, the particles did not maintain the spherical shape. However, given that the highest photoluminescence was obtained at 1050°C, the GdPO₄:Tb phosphor particles with spherical shape prepared by spray pyrolysis are a promising candidate as a green phosphor for plasma display panels (PDPs). By changing the content of the activator (Tb) and phosphorous, the optimal composition giving the highest photoluminescence intensity was found. Under the optimal condition, the decay time of prepared spherical GdPO₄:Tb phosphor particles was approximately 6.9 ms, which is appropriate for application to PDPs.