Photoluminescence properties of Al2O3:Eu thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis

Europuim (Eu) doped aluminum oxide (Al2O3) thin films were deposited on silicon and quartz substrates by spray pyrolysis technique, from a solution at 0.062 molar containing aluminum and europuim acetilacetonates. Eu-doping was obtained by adding to the solution the acetilacetonate in different concentrations. Structural, optical and morphological characteristics of the films, as a function of deposition conditions uch as variation of the impurity concentration a d deposition temperature are p sented. In particular in relation to the optical characteristics (photoluminescence) of the films, it has been observed a characteristic emission associated with radiative transitions between the europium electronic energy levels. The overall spectra observed consist on several peaks associated with such transitions showing a red light emission. Structural characterization was performed by measurements of X-Ray diffraction patterns and morphological characterization by atomic force microscopy. 1