Spectral analysis and characterization of several polymer encapsulated phosphor materials for sensing applications

Authors

• Debendra Timsina, College of Arts & Sciences
• Daniel Duong, College of Arts & Sciences
• John M. Miller, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Viva Bell, Intelligent Materials Solutions, Inc.
• Tolga K. Karsili, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• William A. Hollerman, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Stephen W. Allison, Emerging Measurements
• Josh Collins, Intelligent Materials Solutions, Inc.
• Firouzeh Sabri, College of Arts & Sciences

Abstract

Described here is a demonstration of successful polymer encapsulation of several phosphor materials. Spectral and luminescence decay measurements of the encapsulated and neat powder are presented and compared. Pulsed 405 nm excitation from a diode laser of 1.5 or 2.0 ms duration stimulated the emission. The tested materials included several batches of (1) metal organic materials, EuD3NO3TEA and MgD3TEA; (2) upconverting materials, Y2O2S:Er, Yb and La2O2S:Er,Yb; (3) two carbidonitrides, (Sr0·9Ba0.1)1.9Eu0.1Si5N8C:Eu²⁺ and (Sr0·9Ba0.1)1.9Eu0.08Si5N8C:Eu²⁺, and (3) two zinc sulfide (ZnS) based samples doped with Co and Cu, respectively. Plots of decay time versus temperature for two materials, EuD3NO3TEA and ZnS:Cu showed only minor differences between the encapsulated and powder samples for the investigated range from ambient to 200 °C. A comprehensive study of the mechanical properties of the composites is also presented. This work contributes to the goal of encapsulating phosphors in polymers for sensing and other applications requiring rapid, precise, and remote interrogation technology.

Publication Title

Optical Materials

Recommended Citation

Timsina, D., Duong, D., Miller, J., Bell, V., Karsili, T., Hollerman, W., Allison, S., Collins, J., & Sabri, F. (2025). Spectral analysis and characterization of several polymer encapsulated phosphor materials for sensing applications. Optical Materials, 166 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2025.117116