Enhanced photoluminescent emission of thin phosphor films via pulsed excimer laser melting

Thin films of (Y0.92Eu0.08)2O3 were synthesized through chemical vapor deposition of β-diketonate precursors onto glass and sapphire substrates. The films were weakly luminescent in the as-deposited condition and were composed of spherical particles 3 μm in diameter. A KrF laser was pulsed for 25 ns from 1–3 times on the surface of the films. One pulse was sufficient to melt the film and repeated pulses caused ablation of the material. Melting of the film smoothed the surface, increased the density, and increased the photoluminescent emission intensity.