The energy transfer from Eu2+ to Tb3+ in calcium chlorapatite phosphor and its potential application in LEDs

Energy transfer from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺ was observed by investigating the optical properties from photoluminescence spectra and decay time curves in Tb³⁺ singly doped and Eu²⁺–Tb³⁺ co-doped calcium chlorapatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃Cl (CPCl). It is dominated by the cooperation of a phonon-assisted energy transfer process and a non-radiative resonant energy transfer process caused by the exchange interaction. Eu²⁺–Tb³⁺ co-doped calcium chlorapatite phosphors in which Tb³⁺ can be efficiently excited by 400 nm are potential candidates for phosphor-converted LED.