YPO4:Sc UV Light Emitter Composition for Higher Emission Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet light sources require higher emission intensity, particularly those using YPO4 crystals with added Sc, which are excited by electron beams or excitation light, but struggle to achieve optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a light emitter involving the production of YPO4 crystals with added Sc and alkali metals, where the crystals are mixed with alkali metal halides or carbonates and sintered at elevated temperatures to enhance ultraviolet light emission intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional sintering methods are used for YPO4:Sc crystals, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the emission intensity of ultraviolet light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by mixing alkali metal halides or carbonates with the YPO4:Sc crystal powder before sintering. This pre-treatment step prepares the crystal structure in advance to enhance ultraviolet emission intensity. The alkali metals are incorporated into the crystal lattice during the sintering process, creating a optimized structure for UV emission without requiring complex post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the crystal by introducing alkali metals (such as Li, Na, or K) at specific concentrations (0.01-5.0 at%). This parameter change in the crystal composition directly improves the emission intensity of ultraviolet light. The sintering temperature is also optimized (1000-1700°C) to achieve the desired crystal structure with enhanced UV emission properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If alkali metal halides are used as flux during sintering, then sintering can be facilitated, but alkali metals are lost during the sintering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses alkali metal halides or carbonates as intermediary substances that facilitate sintering while being incorporated into the crystal structure. These intermediaries serve dual purposes: they lower the sintering temperature and improve crystal formation, while simultaneously becoming part of the final crystal composition to enhance UV emission. This eliminates the problem of alkali metal loss that occurs when traditional fluxes are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form and concentration of alkali metals in the sintering mixture. By using specific alkali metal halides or carbonates at controlled concentrations (0.01-5.0 at% in the final crystal), the process achieves both easy sintering and retention of alkali metals in the final product. The sintering atmosphere and temperature are also optimized to prevent alkali metal volatilization.
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 method significantly increases the emission intensity of ultraviolet light by improving crystallinity and retaining alkali metals within the YPO4:Sc crystals, resulting in improved diffraction peak waveforms and increased photoluminescence intensity.
Implementation Method 1
In the step of producing the second mixture, the second mixture in a powder form is produced by evaporating the liquid from the first mixture
Implementation Method 2
a step of sintering the third mixture
Implementation Method 3
The light emitter contains a YPO4 crystal to which at least scandium (Sc) is added, and receives an electron beam or excitation light which has a shorter wavelength than a wavelength of the ultraviolet light, to generate the ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
The manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a light emitter that generates ultraviolet light. The light emitter contains a YPO4 crystal to which at least scandium (Sc) is added, and receives an electron beam or excitation light having a shorter wavelength than a wavelength of the ultraviolet light, to generate the ultraviolet light. The manufacturing method includes: producing a first mixture; producing a second mixture; producing a third mixture; and sintering the third mixture. The first mixture containing a compound of yttrium (Y), a compound of scandium (Sc), phosphoric acid or a phosphate compound, and a liquid is produced. In the producing the second mixture, the second mixture in a powder form is produced by evaporating the liquid. In the producing the third mixture, the third mixture is produced by mixing either one or both of an alkali metal halide and an alkali metal carbonate with the second mixture.