Optical spectroscopy of ZnSiF6·6H2O:Mn4+ red phosphor

We report on a method of synthesizing Mn4+-activated ZnSiF6·6H2O hydrate phosphor by the chemical reaction in a Teflon beaker. The structural and optical properties of ZnSiF6·6H2O:Mn4+ are investigated using x-ray diffraction measurement, photoluminescence (PL) analysis, PL excitation spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance measurement, and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The synthesized phosphor exhibits a series of sharp red emission peaks at ∼630 nm, which is characteristic for Mn4+ ions. The luminescent study is focused on the thermal quenching phenomenon above ∼300 K and is found to be caused by thermal decomposition of the ZnSiF6·6H2O host. Degradation in the PL intensity under near-UV light illumination has also been observed to occur in this phosphor.