CaAlSiN3 Phosphor Composition for Red LED Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nitride-based phosphors have insufficient light emission efficiency and color rendering properties, leading to poor performance in lighting applications, particularly in image display devices.

Innovation Solution

A phosphor with a specific composition range deviated from the stoichiometric Ca:Al:Si:N ratio, incorporating a controlled amount of solid solution oxygen, and Eu substitution, maintaining the CaAlSiN3 crystal structure, is produced using a nitrogen atmosphere and specific raw material handling to enhance emission efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional nitride-based phosphor (CaAlSiN3) is used, then red light emission is achieved, but light emission efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission efficiencyVSAvoidcolor rendering properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the stoichiometric composition of CaAlSiN3 by introducing controlled oxygen substitution (CaAl1-x-yS1-zN3-y+zOy) and varying the Si/Al ratio, thereby changing the crystal structure parameters to achieve both higher light emission efficiency and improved color rendering properties simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite phosphor material by combining CaAlSiN3 host lattice with europium activator ions and controlled oxygen substitution, forming a composite structure that achieves both high efficiency red emission and excellent color rendering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If YAG yellow phosphor is used with blue LED, then white light is generated, but red emission component is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidred emission component
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the red emission component locally by introducing europium-doped CaAlSiN3 phosphor with specific composition ranges (0.7 ≤ x ≤ 1.0, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.3) into the white LED system, providing targeted red wavelength supplementation without affecting the overall brightness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If phosphor composition is deviated from stoichiometric ratio, then emission efficiency is improved, but crystal structure stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission efficiencyVSAvoidcrystal structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters within specific ranges (0.7 ≤ x ≤ 1.0, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.3, Si/Al ratio: 0.9-1.55) to achieve the optimal balance between emission efficiency and crystal structure stability, where the controlled deviations from stoichiometry enhance efficiency while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting phosphor exhibits higher brightness, improved thermal and chemical stability, and reduced brightness loss at high temperatures, enabling high-efficiency red emission in light emitting devices with enhanced color rendering and longer lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a phosphor having a host crystal having the same crystal structure as that of a CaAlSiN 3 crystal phase that emits red light by absorbing light from a light emitting element such as LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2808374B1Phosphor, method for producing same, and use of same
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 DENKA CO LTD

AI summary

The invention provides a phosphor having a host crystal having the same crystal structure as that of a CaAlSiN3 crystal phase that emits red light by absorbing light from a light emitting element such as LED and having a more improved emission efficiency than ever before, and a light emitting device with high brightness and long life by using the phosphor. The phosphor is represented by a general formula Cax(Si,Al)2 (N, O)3+y, wherein 0.75 ≤ x ≤ 0.92 and -0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.2, with some of Ca elements substituted with Eu elements, the phosphor being in the form of powder, wherein the phosphor has a Si/Al ratio (molar ratio) of 0.9 or more and 1.55 or less, an Eu content of 0.01 at% or more and 0.3 at% or less, and an amount of solid solution oxygen in particle of 0.4 mass% or more and 0.7 mass% or less.