Thin film electroluminescence in highly anisotropic oxide materials

A criterion for high performance electroluminescent (EL) phosphor based on the crystal structure of the phosphor host has been developed. The performance of some best-performing EL oxide phosphors is correlated to the fundamental atomic arrangements of the phosphor host and to the microstructural characteristics of their thin films. It is shown that, contrary to popular beliefs, oxide phosphors with certain crystallographic features do have the capability of transporting significant current densities of hot electrons. Examples of newly developed high brightness and efficiency oxide EL phosphors are presented.