Nanostructured metal-enhanced photoluminescence of micro-Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphors

The enhancement of the photoluminescence of micro-Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphors on the surface of Ag and Au nanoparticles is studied. Ag nanoparticles cause a considerable enhancement in the photoluminescence intensity of microsized Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphors. We further investigate the enhanced emission of self-assembled worm-like Au nanoparticles from Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphors. A brightness photoluminescence intensity enhanced by about six times is observed, and is due to the stronger scattering and higher numbers of hot spots in the Au worms. The luminescence efficiency of the microparticles is higher than the nanoparticles, and it is very difficult to enhance light emission. Therefore, the realization of microphosphor photoluminescence enhancement is a great breakthrough. (authors)