LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE

Abstract
A light emitting device is disclosed. The light emitting device may include a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and phosphor adjacent to the LED. The phosphor may be excitable by light emitted by the LED and may include a first compound having a host lattice comprising first ions and oxygen. In one embodiment, the host lattice may include silicon, the copper ions may be divalent copper ions and first compound may have an Olivin crystal structure, a β-K2SO4 crystal structure, a trigonal Glaserite (K3Na(SO4)2) or monoclinic Merwinite crystal structure, a tetragonal Ackermanite crystal structure, a tetragonal crystal structure or an orthorhombic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the copper ions do not act as luminescent ions upon excitation with the light emitted by the LED.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention


Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to light emitting devices and, more particularly, to light emitting devices including at least one light-emitting diode and phosphor including lead- and/or copper-containing chemical compounds and converting the wavelength of light.


2. Description of the Related Art


Light emitting devices (LEDs), which used to be used for electronic devices, are now used for automobiles and illumination products. Since light emitting devices have superior electrical and mechanical characteristics, demands for light emitting devices have been increased. In connection to this, interests in white LEDs are increasing as an alternative to fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps.


In LED technology, solution for realization of white light is proposed variously. Normally, realization of white LED technology is to put the phosphor on the light-emitting diode, and mix the primary emission from the light emitting diode and the secondary emission from the phosphor, which converts the wavelength. For example, as shown in WO 98/05078 and WO 98/12757, use a blue light emitting diode, which is capable of emitting a peak wavelength at 450-490 nm, and YAG group material, which absorbs light from the blue light emitting diode and emits yellowish light (mostly), which may have different wavelength from that of the absorbed light. However, phosphors which are used for white LEDs are usually unstable in the water, vapor or polar solvent, and this unstableness may cause changes in the emitting characteristics of white LED.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment exemplarily described herein can be generally characterized as a light emitting device that includes a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and a phosphor adjacent to the LED. The phosphor is excitable by light emitted by the LED and may include a first compound having a host lattice comprising first ions, silicon and oxygen. A first portion of the first ions may be substituted by divalent copper ions and the first compound may have one of an Olivin crystal structure, a β-K2SO4 crystal structure, a trigonal Glaserite (K3Na(SO4)2) or monoclinic Merwinite crystal structure, a tetragonal Ackermanite crystal structure, a tetragonal crystal structure and an orthorhombic crystal structure.


Another embodiment exemplarily described herein can be generally characterized as a light emitting device that includes a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and a phosphor adjacent to the LED. The phosphor is excitable by light emitted by the LED and may include a first compound having a host lattice comprising first ions and oxygen. A first portion of the first ions may be substituted by copper ions and the copper ions do not act as luminescent ions upon excitation with the light emitted by the LED.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments of the invention may be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:



FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a chip-type package light emitting device;



FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a top-type package light emitting device;



FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a lamp-type package light emitting device;



FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a light emitting device for high power;



FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a portion of a light emitting device for high power;



FIG. 6 shows emitting spectrum of a light emitting device with luminescent material; and



FIG. 7 shows emitting spectrum of the light emitting device with luminescent material according to another embodiment.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Refer to the attached drawing, the wavelength conversion light emitting device is going to be explained in detail, and the light emitting device and the phosphor are separately explained for easiness of explanation as below.


(Light Emitting Device)



FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a chip-type package light emitting device. The chip-type package light emitting device may comprise at least one light emitting diode and a phosphorescent substance. Electrodes 5 may be formed on both sides of substrate 1. Light emitting diode 6 emitting light may be mounted on one of the electrodes 5. Light emitting diode 6 may be mounted on electrode 5 through electrically conductive paste 9. An electrode of light emitting diode 6 may be connected to electrode pattern 5 via an electrically conductive wire 2.


Light emitting diodes may emit light with a wide range of wavelengths, for example, from ultraviolet light to visible light. In one embodiment, a UV light emitting diode and/or blue light emitting diode may be use.


Phosphor, i.e., a phosphorescent substance, 3 may be placed on the top and side faces of the light emitting diode 6. In some embodiments, the phosphor may include lead- and/or copper containing chemical compounds. In some embodiments, the chemical compounds may comprise aluminates, silicates, antimonates, germanates, germanate-silicates, phosphates, or the like, or a combination thereof. Phosphor 3 converts the wavelength of the light from the light emitting diode 6 to another wavelength or other wavelengths. In one embodiment, the light is in a visible light range after the conversion. Phosphor 3 may be applied to light emitting diode 6 after mixing phosphor 3 with a hardening resin. The hardening resin including phosphor 3 may also be applied to the bottom of light emitting diode 6 after mixing phosphor 3 with electrically conductive paste 9.


The light emitting diode 6 mounted on substrate 1 may be sealed with one or more sealing materials 10. Phosphor 3 may be placed on the top and side faces of light emitting diode 6. Phosphor 3 can also be distributed in the hardened sealing material during the production. Such a manufacturing method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,664, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.


Phosphor 3 may comprise one or more lead- and/or copper containing chemical compounds. Phosphor 3 may include one or more single chemical compounds. Each single compound may have an emission peak of, for example, from about 440 nm to about 500 nm, from about 500 nm to about 590 nm, or from about 580 nm to 700 nm Phosphor 3 may include one or more single phosphors, which may have an emission peak as exemplified above.


In regard to light emitting device 40, light emitting diode 6 may emit primary light when light emitting diode 6 receives power from a power supply. The primary light then may stimulate phosphor(s) 3, and phosphor(s) 3 may convert the primary light to a light with longer wavelength(s) (a secondary light). The primary light from the light emitting diode 6 and the secondary light from the phosphors 3 are diffused and mixed together so that a predetermined color of light in visible spectrum may be emitted from light emitting diode 6. In one embodiment, more than one light emitting diodes that have different emission peaks can be mounted together. In some embodiments, a mixture ratio of different phosphors can be adjusted to achieve a desired color of light, color temperature, and CRI.


As described above, if the light emitting diode 6 and the compound(s) included in phosphor 3 are properly controlled then the desired color temperature or specific color coordination can be provided, especially, wide range of color temperature, for example, from about 2,000K to about 8,000K or about 10,000K and/or color rendering index of greater than about 60. In some embodiments, the compound(s) included in the phosphor 3 can be controlled to have a color rendering index between about 50 and about 90. In some embodiments, the compound(s) included in the phosphor 3 can be controlled to have a color rendering index greater than about 90. In some embodiments, the compound(s) included in the phosphor 3 can be controlled to have a color rendering index between about 90 and about 95. Therefore, the light emitting devices exemplarily described herein may be used for electronic devices such as home appliances, stereos, telecommunication devices, and for interior/exterior custom displays. The light emitting devices exemplarily described herein may also be used for automobiles and illumination products because they provide similar color temperatures and CRI to those of the visible light.



FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a top-type package light emitting device. A top-type package light emitting device may have a similar structure as that of the chip type package light emitting device 40 of FIG. 1. The top-type package device may have reflector 31 which may reflect the light from the light emitting diode 6 to the desire direction.


In top-type package light emitting device 50, more than one light emitting diodes can be mounted. Each of such light emitting diodes may have a different peak wavelength from that of others. Phosphor 3 may comprise a plurality of single compounds with different emission peaks. The proportion of each of such plurality of compounds may be regulated. Such a phosphor may be applied to the light emitting diode and/or uniformly distributed in the hardening material of the reflector 31. As explained more fully below, the phosphor may include lead- and/or copper containing aluminate type compounds, lead- and/or copper containing silicates, lead- and/or copper containing antimonates, lead- and/or copper containing germanates, lead- and/or copper containing germanate-silicates, lead and/or copper containing phosphates, or any combination thereof.


In one embodiment, the light emitting device of the FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 can include a metal substrate, which may have good heat conductivity. Such a light emitting device may easily dissipate the heat from the light emitting diode. Therefore, light emitting devices for high power may be manufactured. If a heat sink is provided beneath the metal substrate, the heat from the light emitting diode may be dissipated more effectively.



FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a lamp-type package light emitting device. Lamp type light emitting device 60 may have a pair of leads 51, 52, and a diode holder 53 may be formed at the end of one lead. Diode holder 53 may have a shape of cup, and one or more light emitting diodes 6 may provided in the diode holder 53. When a number of light emitting diodes are provided in the diode holder 53, each of them may have a different peak wavelength from that of others. An electrode of light emitting diode 6 may be connected to lead 52 by, for example, electrically conductive wire 2.


Regular volume of phosphor 3, which may be mixed in the epoxy resin, may be provided in diode holder 53. As explained more fully below, phosphor 3 may include lead- and/or copper containing components.


Moreover, the diode holder may include the light emitting diode 6 and the phosphor 3 may be sealed with hardening material such as epoxy resin or silicon resin.


In one embodiment, the lamp type package light emitting device may have more than one pair of electrode pair leads.



FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a light emitting device for high power. Heat sink 71 may be provided inside of housing 73 of the light emitting device for high power 70, and it may be partially exposed to outside. A pair of lead frames 74 may protrude from housing 73.


One or more light emitting diodes may be mounted directly on one lead frame 74, and an electrode of the light emitting diode 6 and another lead frame 74 may be connected via electrically conductive wire. In another embodiment, one or more light emitting diodes may be mounted directly on the heat sink 71, as opposed to directly on the lead frame 74, via thermally conductive adhesive. Electrically conductive plate 9 may be provided between light emitting diode 6 and lead frame 74. The phosphor 3 may be placed on top and side faces of light emitting diode 6.



FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a portion of a light emitting device for high power.


Light emitting device for high power 80 may have housing 63, which may contain light emitting diodes 6, 7, phosphor 3 arranged on the top and side faces of light emitting diodes 6, 7, one or more heat sinks 61, 62, and one or more lead frames 64. In one embodiment, one or more light emitting diodes 6, 7 may be mounted directly on one or more of the heat sinks 61, 62 via thermally conductive adhesive. In one or more of the lead frames 64. The lead frames 64 may receive power from a power supplier and may protrude from housing 63.


In the light emitting devices for high power 70, 80 in the FIGS. 4 and 5, the phosphor 3 can be added to the paste, which may be provided between heat sink and light emitting devices. A lens may be combined with housing 63, 73.


In a light emitting device for high power, one or more light emitting diodes can be used selectively and the phosphor can be regulated depending on the light emitting diode. As explained more fully below, the phosphor may include lead and/or copper containing components.


A light emitting device for high power may have a radiator (not shown) and/or heat sink(s) Air or a fan may be used to cool the radiator.


The light emitting devices exemplarily described herein are not limited to the structures described above, and the structures can be modified depending on the characteristics of light emitting diodes, phosphor, wavelength of light, and also applications. Moreover, new part can be added to the structures.


Exemplary embodiments of the phosphor 3 are described as follows.


(Phosphor)


According to some embodiments, the phosphor 3 may include one or more lead- and/or copper containing chemical compounds. The phosphor 3 may be excited by UV and/or visible (e.g., blue) light, and emit light due to transitions of the direct type, f-d transitions, or charge transfer transitions. In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing chemical compounds may be generally characterized as including a host lattice having anions and cations. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cations are divalent cations. In some embodiments, the divalent cations include alkaline earth ions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the divalent cations of the host lattice are substituted by divalent lead and/or divalent copper ions.


As mentioned above, conventional luminescent materials and phosphors are generally unstable in water, air humidity, water steam and polar solvents. However, due to a higher covalency and a lower basicity, the substitutionally-incorporated divalent lead and/or divalent copper ions in the host lattice of the chemical compound yields luminescent materials have improved resistance against water, air humidity and polar solvents. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the divalent lead and/or divalent copper ions within the host lattice do not act as activators (also referred to herein as “luminescent center ions”) and, therefore do not luminesce.


As described above, the phosphor 3 may include one or more chemical compounds such as, for example, aluminates, silicates, antimonates, germanates, germanate-silicates, and/or phosphates. Exemplary embodiments of these chemical compounds are described in greater detail below.


In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing aluminates may be generally characterized according to formulas (1), (2), and (5)






a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(Al2O3).e(M′″O).f(M″″2O3).g(M″″′oOp).h(M″″″xOy)  (1)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be one or more monovalent elements, for example, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be one or more divalent elements, for example, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be one or more trivalent elements, for example, Sc, B, Ga, In, and/or any combination thereof; M″″′ may be Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Mn, V, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, and/or any combination thereof; M″″″ may be Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and/or any combination thereof, X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and/or any combination thereof; 0<a≦2; 0≦b≦2; 0≦c≦2; 0<d≦8; 0<e≦4; 0≦f≦3; 0≦g≦8; 0<h≦2; 1≦o≦2; 1≦p≦5; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.






a(M′O)b(M″2O)c(M″X)4-a-b





-c(M″′O)7(Al2O3)d(B2O3)e(Ga2O3)f(SiO2)g(GeO2)h(M″″xOy)  (2)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be one or more monovalent elements, for example, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be one or more divalent elements, for example, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, In, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and any combination thereof, X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and any combination thereof; 0<a≦4; 0≦b≦2; 0≦c≦2; 0≦d≦1; 0≦e≦1; 0≦f≦1; 0≦g≦1; 0<h≦2; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


The preparation of copper- as well as lead containing luminescent materials may be a basic solid state reaction. Pure starting materials without any impurities, e.g. iron, may be used.


Any starting material which may transfer into oxides via a heating process may be used to form oxygen dominated phosphors.


EXAMPLES OF PREPARATION

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (3)





Cu0.02Sr3.98Al14O25: Eu  (3)


Starting materials: CuO, SrCO3, Al(OH)3, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides, hydroxides, and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, e.g., H3BO3. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible in a first step at about 1,200° C. for about one hour. After milling the pre-fired materials a second firing step at about 1,450° C. in a reduced atmosphere for about 4 hours may be followed. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum of about 494 nm









TABLE 1







copper-containing Eu2+-activated aluminate compared with Eu2+-activated


aluminate without copper at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper doped
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.02Sr3.98Al14O25:
Sr4Al14O25:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
103.1
100



density (%)



Wavelength
494
493



(nm)










Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (4)





Pb0.05Sr3.95Al14O25: Eu  (4)


Starting materials: PbO, SrCO3, Al2O3, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in form of very pure oxides, carbonates, or other components which may decompose thermally into oxides, may be mixed in stoichiometric proportion together with small amounts of flux, for example, H3BO3. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. for about one hour in the air. After milling the pre-fired materials a second firing step at about 1,450° C. in air for about 2 hours and in a reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours may be followed. Then the material may be milled, washed, dried, and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum of from about 494.5 nm









TABLE 2







lead-containing Eu2+-activated aluminate compared with Eu2+-activated


aluminate without lead at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Lead-containing
Compound without



compound
lead



Pb0.05Sr3.95Al14O25:
Sr4Al14O25:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
101.4
100



density (%)



Wavelength
494.5
493



(nm)

















TABLE 3







optical properties of some copper- and/or lead doped aluminates excitable by long wave ultraviolet


and/or by visible light and their luminous density in % at 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared with compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
contaning
materials without


Composition
range(nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Cu0.5Sr3.5Al14O25: Eu
360-430
101.2
495
493


Cu0.02Sr3.98Al14O25: Eu
360-430
103.1
494
493


Pb0.05Sr3.95Al14O25: Eu
360-430
101.4
494.5
493


Cu0.01Sr3.99Al13.995Si0.005O25: Eu
360-430
103
494
492


Cu0.01Sr3.395Ba0.595Al14O25: Eu, Dy
360-430
100.8
494
493


Pb0.05Sr3.95Al13.95Ga0.05O25: Eu
360-430
101.5
494
494













a(M′O).b(M″O).c(Al2O3).d(M″′2O3).e(M″″O2).f(M″″′xOy)  (5)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be B, Ga, In, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Hf, and/or any combination thereof; M″″′ may be Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and/or any combination thereof; 0<a≦1; 0≦b≦2; 0<c≦8; 0≦d≦1; 0≦e≦1; 0<f≦2; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


Example of Preparation

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (6)





Cu0.05Sr0.95Al1.9997Si0.0003O4: Eu  (6)


Starting materials: CuO, SrCO3, Al203, SiO2, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of, for example, pure oxides and/or as carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, AlF3. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,250° C. in a reduced atmosphere for about 3 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum of about 521.5 nm









TABLE 4







copper-containing Eu2+-activated aluminate compared with Eu2+-activated


aluminate without copper at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.05Sr0.95Al1.9997Si0.0003O4:
SrAl2O4:



Eu
Eu













Luminous
106
100


density (%)


Wavelength
521.5
519


(nm)









Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (7)





Cu0.12BaMg1.88Al16O27: Eu  (7)


Starting materials: CuO, MgO, BaCO3, Al(OH)3, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of, for example, pure oxides, hydroxides, and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, AlF3. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,420° C. in a reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried, and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum of about 452 nm









TABLE 5







copper-containing Eu2+-activated aluminate compared with copper not


doped Eu2+-activated aluminate at 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Comparison without



compound
copper



Cu0.12BaMg1.88A116O27:
BaMg2A116O27:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
101
100



density (%)



Wavelength
452
450



(nm)










Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (8)





Pb0.1Sr0.9Al2O4: Eu  (8)


Starting materials: PbO, SrCO3, Al(OH)3, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in form of, for example, pure oxides, hydroxides, and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, H3BO3. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,000° C. for about 2 hours in the air. After milling the pre-fired materials a second firing step at about 1,420° C. in the air for about 1 hour and in a reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours may be followed. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum of about 521 nm









TABLE 6







lead-containing Eu2+-activated aluminate compared with Eu2+-activated


aluminate without lead at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Lead-containing
Compound without



compound
lead



Pb0.1Sr0.9Al2O4:
SrAl2O4:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
102
100



density (%)



Wavelength
521
519



(nm)










Results obtained in regard to copper- and/or lead doped aluminates are shown in table 7.









TABLE 7







optical properties of some copper- and/or lead doped aluminates excitable by long wave ultraviolet


and/or by visible light and their luminous density in % at 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared with compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
containing
materials without


Composition
range (nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Cu0.05Sr0.95A11.9997Si0.0003O4: Eu
360-440
106
  521.5
519


Cu0.2Mg0.7995Li0.0005Al1.9Ga0.1O4: Eu, Dy
360-440
101.2
482
480


Pb0.1Sr0.9Al2O4: Eu
360-440
102
521
519


Cu0.05BaMg1.95Al16O27: Eu, Mn
360-400
100.5
451, 515
450, 515


Cu0.12BaMg1.88Al16O27: Eu
360-400
101
452
450


Cu0.01BaMg0.99Al10O17: Eu
360-400
102.5
451
449


Pb0.1BaMg0.9Al9.5Ga0.5O17: Eu, Dy
360-400
100.8
448
450


Pb0.08Sr0.902Al2O4: Eu, Dy
360-440
102.4
521
519


Pb0.2Sr0.8Al2O4: Mn
360-440
100.8
658
655


Cu0.06Sr0.94Al2O4: Eu
360-440
102.3
521
519


Cu0.05Ba0.94Pb0.06Mg0.95Al10O17: Eu
360-440
100.4
451
449


Pb0.3Ba0.7Cu0.1Mg1.9Al16O27: Eu
360-400
100.8
452
450


Pb0.3Ba0.7Cu0.1Mg1.9Al16O27: Eu, Mn
360-400
100.4
452, 515
450, 515









In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing silicates may be generally characterized according to formula (9)






a(M′O).b(M″O).c(M″′X).d(M″′2O).e(M″″2O3).f(M″″′oOp).g(SiO2).h(M″″″″xOy)  (9)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Al, Ga, In, and/or any combination thereof; M″″′ may be Ge, V, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Ti, Zr, Hf, and/or any combination thereof; M″″″ may be Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and/or any combination thereof; X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and any combination thereof; 0<a≦2; 0<b≦8; 0≦c≦4; 0≦d≦2; 0≦e≦2; 0≦f≦2; 0<g≦10; 0<h≦5; 1≦o≦2; 1≦p≦5; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


The copper-containing silicates exemplarily described herein may, in some embodiments, contain SiO4 and can be characterized as having an Olivin structure (orthorhombic) or β-K2SO4 structure (orthorhombic); contain Si2O8 and be characterized as having a trigonal Glaserite (K3Na(SO4)2) or monoclinic Merwinite structure; contain Si2O7 and be characterized as having a tetragonal Ackermanite structure; contain SiO5 and be characterized as having a tetragonal structure; and/or contain Si2O5 and be characterized as having an orthorhombic structure.


Example of Preparation

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (10)





Cu0.05Sr1.7Ca0.25SiO4: Eu  (10)


Starting materials: CuO, SrCO3, CaCO3, SiO2, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of pure oxides and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example NH4Cl. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. in an inert gas atmosphere (e.g., N2 or noble gas) for about 2 hours. Then the material may be milled. After that, the material may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. in a slightly reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours. Then, the material may be milled, washed, dried, and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 592 nm









TABLE 8







copper-containing Eu2+-activated silicate compared with Eu2+-activated


silicate without copper at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.05Sr1.17Ca0.25SiO4:
Sr1.7Ca0.3SiO4:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
104
100



density (%)



Wavelength
592
588



(nm)










Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (II):





Cu0.2Ba2Zn0.2Mg0.6Si2O7: Eu  (11)


Starting materials: CuO, BaCO3, ZnO, MgO, SiO2, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of very pure oxides and carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, NH4Cl. In a first step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,100° C. in a reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours. Then the material may be milled. After that the material may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,235° C. in a reduced atmosphere for about 2 hours. Then that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 467 nm









TABLE 9







copper-containing Eu2+-activated silicate compared with Eu2+-activated


silicate without copper at 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.2Sr2Zn0.2Mg0.6Si2O7:
Sr2Zn2Mg0.6Si2O7:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
101.5
100



density (%)



Wavelength
467
465



(nm)










Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (12)





Pb0.1Ba0.95Sr0.95Si0.998Ge0.002O4: Eu  (12)


Starting materials: PbO, SrCO3, BaCO3, SiO2, GeO2, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, NH4Cl. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,000° C. for about 2 hours in the air. After milling the pre-fired materials a second firing step at 1,220° C. in air for 4 hours and in reducing atmosphere for 2 hours may be followed. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 527 nm.









TABLE 10







lead-containing Eu2+-activated silicate compared with Eu2+-activated


silicate without lead at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Lead-containing
Compound without



compound
lead



Pb0.1Ba0.95Sr0.95Si0.998Ge0.002O4:
BaSrSiO4:



Eu
Eu













Luminous
101.3
100


density (%)


Wavelength
527
525


(nm)









Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (13)





Pb0.25Sr3.75Si3O8Cl4: Eu  (13)


Starting materials: PbO, SrCO3, SrCl2 SiO2, Eu2O3, and any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides, chlorides, and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, NH4Cl. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible in a first step at about 1,100° C. for about 2 hours in the air. After milling the pre-fired materials a second firing step at about 1,220° C. in the air for about 4 hours and in a reduced atmosphere for about 1 hour may be followed. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 492 nm









TABLE 11







lead-containing Eu2+-activated chlorosilicate compared with Eu2+-activated


chlorosilicate without lead at 400 nm excitation wavelength










Lead-containing
Compound without



compound
lead



Pb0.25Sr3.75Si3O8Cl4:
Sr4Si3O8Cl4:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
100.6
100



density (%)



Wavelength
492
490



(nm)










Results obtained with respect to copper- and/or lead-containing silicates are shown in table 12.









TABLE 12







optical properties of some copper- and/or lead-containing rare earth activated silicates excitable by long wave


ultraviolet and/or by visible light and their luminous density in % at about 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared with compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
doped
materials without


Composition
range (nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Pb0.1Ba0.95Sr0.95Si0.998Ge0.002O4: Eu
360-470
101.3
527
525


Cu0.02(Ba,Sr,Ca,Zn)1.98SiO4: Eu
360-500
108.2
565
560


Cu0.05Sr1.7Ca0.25SiO4: Eu
360-470
104
592
588


Cu0.05Li0.002Sr1.5Ba0.448SiO4: Gd, Eu
360-470
102.5
557
555


Cu0.2Sr2Zn0.2Mg0.6Si2O7: Eu
360-450
101.5
467
465


Cu0.02Ba2.8Sr0.2Mg0.98Si2O8: Eu, Mn
360-420
100.8
440, 660
438, 660


Pb0.25Sr3.75Si3O8Cl4: Eu
360-470
100.6
492
490


Cu0.2Ba2.2Sr0.75Pb0.05Zn0.8Si2O8: Eu
360-430
100.8
448
445


Cu0.2Ba3Mg0.8Si1.99Ge0.01O8: Eu
360-430
101
444
440


Cu0.5Zn0.5Ba2Ge0.2Si1.8O7: Eu
360-420
102.5
435
433


Cu0.8Mg0.2Ba3Si2O8: Eu, Mn
360-430
103
438, 670
435, 670


Pb0.15Ba1.84Zn0.01Si0.99Zr0.01O4: Eu
360-500
101
512
510


Cu0.2Ba5Ca2.8Si4O16: Eu
360-470
101.8
495
491









In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing antimonates may be generally characterized according to formula (14)






a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(Sb2O5).e(M″′O).f(M″″xOy)  (14)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Bi, Sn, Sc, Y, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Gd, and/or any combination thereof; X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and/or any combination thereof; 0<a≦2; 0≦b≦2; 0≦c≦4; 0<d≦8; 0≦e≦8; 0≦f≦2; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


EXAMPLES OF PREPARATION

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (15)





Cu0.2Mg1.7Li0.2Sb2O7: Mn  (15)


Starting materials: CuO, MgO, Li2O, Sb2O5, MnCO3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides may be mixed in stoichiometric proportion together with small amounts of flux. In a first step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 985° C. in the air for about 2 hours. After pre-firing the material may be milled again. In a second step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen for about 8 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 626 nm









TABLE 13







copper-containing antimonate compared with antimonate


without copper at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Comparison without



compound
copper



Cu0.2Mg1.7Li0.2Sb2O7:
Mg2Li0.2Sb2O7:



Mn
Mn















Luminous
101.8
100



density (%)



Wavelength
652
650



(nm)










Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (16)





Pb0.006Ca0.6Sr0.394Sb2O6  (16)


Starting materials: PbO, CaCO3, SrCO3, Sb2O5, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux. In a first step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 975° C. in the air for about 2 hours. After pre-firing the material may be milled again. In a second step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,175° C. in the air for about 4 hours and then in an oxygen-containing atmosphere for about 4 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 637 nm









TABLE 14







lead-containing antimonate compared with antimonate


without lead at 400 nm excitation wavelength










Lead-containing
Compound without



compound
lead



Pb0.006Ca0.6Sr0.394Sb2O6
Ca0.6Sr0.4Sb2O6















Luminous
102
100



density (%)



Wavelength
637
638



(nm)










Results obtained in respect to copper- and/or lead-containing antimonates are shown in table 15.









TABLE 15







optical properties of some copper- and/or lead-containing antimonates excitable by long wave ultraviolet


and/or by visible light and their luminous density in % at about 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
doped
materials without


Composition
range (nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Pb0.2Mg0.002Ca1.798Sb2O6F2: Mn
360-400
102
645
649


Cu0.15Ca1.845Sr0.005Sb1.998Si0.002O7: Mn
360-400
101.5
660
658


Cu0.2Mg1.7Li0.2Sb2O7: Mn
360-400
101.8
652
650


Cu0.2Pb0.01Ca0.79Sb1.98Nb0.02O6: Mn
360-400
98.5
658
658


Cu0.01Ca1.99Sb1.9995V0.0005O7: Mn
360-400
100.5
660
657


Pb0.006Ca0.6Sr0.394Sb2O6
360-400
102
637
638


Cu0.02Ca0.9Sr0.5Ba0.4Mg0.18Sb2O7
360-400
102.5
649
645


Pb0.198Mg0.004Ca1.798Sb2O6F2
360-400
101.8
628
630









In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing germanates and/or germanate-silicates may be generally characterized according to formula (17)






a(M′O).b(M″2O)c(M″X).d(GeO2).e(M″′O).f(M″″2O3).g(M″″′oOp).h(M″″″xOy)  (17)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Sc, Y, B, Al, La, Ga, In, and/or any combination thereof; M″″′ may be Si, Ti, Zr, Mn, V, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, and/or any combination thereof; M″″″ may be Bi, Sn, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, and/or any combination thereof X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and/or any combination thereof 0<a≦2; 0≦b≦2; 0≦c≦10; 0<d≦10; 0≦e≦14; 0≦f≦14; 0≦g≦10; 0≦h≦2; 1≦o≦2; 1≦p≦5; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


Example of Preparation

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (18)





Pb0.004Ca1.99Zn0.006Ge0.8Si0.2O4: Mn  (18)


Starting materials: PbO, CaCO3, ZnO, GeO2, SiO2, MnCO3, and/or any combination thereof,


The starting materials in the form of oxides and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, NH4Cl. In a first step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere for about 2 hours. Then, the material may be milled again. In a second step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,200° C. in oxygen containing atmosphere for about 2 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 655 nm









TABLE 16







lead-containing Mn-activated germanate compared with Mn-activated


germanate without lead at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Comparison without



compound
copper



Pb0.004Ca1.99Zn0.006Ge0.8Si0.2O4:
Ca1.99Zn0.01Ge0.8Si0.2O4:



Mn
Mn













Luminous
101.5
100


density (%)


Wavelength
655
657


(nm)









Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (19)





Cu0.46Sr0.54Ge0.6Si0.4O3: Mn  (19)


Starting materials: CuO, SrCO3, GeO2, SiO2, MnCO3, and/or any combination thereof.


The starting materials in the form of oxides and/or carbonates may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux, for example, NH4Cl. In a first step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,100° C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere for about 2 hours. Then, the material may be milled again. In a second step the mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,180° C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere for about 4 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The resulting luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 658 nm









TABLE 17







copper-containing Mn-activated germanate-silicate


compared with Mn-activated germanate-silicate without


copper at 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.46Sr0.54Ge0.6Si0.4O3:
SrGe0.6Si0.4O3:



Mn
Mn















Luminous
103
100



density (%)



Wavelength
658
655



(nm)

















TABLE 18







optical properties of some copper- and/or lead-doped germanate-silicates excitable by long wave ultraviolet


and/or by visible light and their luminous density in % at about 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared with compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
doped
materials without


Composition
range (nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Pb0.004Ca1.99Zn0.006Ge0.8Si0.2O4: Mn
360-400
101.5
655
657


Pb0.002Sr0.954Ca1.044Ge0.93Si0.07O4: Mn
360-400
101.5
660
661


Cu0.46Sr0.54Ge0.6Si0.4O3: Mn
360-400
103
658
655


Cu0.002Sr0.998Ba0.99Ca0.01Si0.98Ge0.02O4: Eu
360-470
102
538
533


Cu1.45Mg26.55Ge9.4Si0.6O48: Mn
360-400
102
660
657


Cu1.2Mg26.8Ge8.9Si1.1O48: Mn
360-400
103.8
670
656


Cu4Mg20Zn4Ge5Si2.5O38F10: Mn
360-400
101.5
658
655


Pb0.001Ba0.849Zn0.05Sr1.1Ge0.04Si0.96O4: Eu
360-470
101.8
550
545


Cu0.05Mg4.95GeO6F2: Mn
360-400
100.5
655
653


Cu0.05Mg3.95GeO5.5F: Mn
360-400
100.8
657
653









In some embodiments, the lead- and/or copper-containing phosphates may be generally characterized according to formula (20)






a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(P2O5).e(M″′O).f(M″″2O3).g(M″″′O2).h(M″″″xOy)  (20)


wherein M′ may be Pb, Cu, and/or any combination thereof; M″ may be Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, and/or any combination thereof; M″′ may be Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, and/or any combination thereof; M″″ may be Sc, Y, B, Al, La, Ga, In, and/or any combination thereof; M″″′ may be Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, and/or any combination thereof; M″″″ may be Bi, Sn, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ce, Th, and/or any combination thereof, X may be F, Cl, Br, I, and/or any combination thereof; 0<a≦2; 0≦b≦12; 0≦c≦16; 0<d≦3; 0≦e≦5; 0≦f≦3; 0≦g≦2; 0<h≦2; 1≦x≦2; and 1≦y≦5.


EXAMPLES OF PREPARATION

Preparation of the Luminescent Material Having Formula (21)





Cu0.02Ca4.98(PO4)3Cl: Eu  (21)


Starting materials: CuO, CaCO3, Ca3(PO4)2, CaCl2, Eu2O3, and/or any combination thereof,


The starting materials in the form of oxides, phosphates, and/or carbonates and chlorides may be mixed in stoichiometric proportions together with small amounts of flux. The mixture may be fired in an alumina crucible at about 1,240° C. in reducing atmosphere for about 2 hours. After that the material may be milled, washed, dried and sieved. The luminescent material may have an emission maximum at about 450 nm









TABLE 19







copper-containing doped Eu2+-activated chlorophosphate


compared with Eu2+-activated chlorophosphate without


copper at about 400 nm excitation wavelength










Copper-containing
Compound without



compound
copper



Cu0.02Ca4.98(PO4)3Cl:
Ca5(PO4)3Cl:



Eu
Eu















Luminous
101.5
100



density (%)



Wavelength
450
447



(nm)

















TABLE 20







copper- and/or lead-containing phosphates excitable by long wave ultraviolet and/or by


visible light and their luminous density in % at about 400 nm excitation wavelength













Luminous density at






400 nm excitation
Peak wave length of



Possible
compared with compounds
lead-/copper-
Peak wave length of



excitation
not containing
doped
materials without


Composition
range (nm)
copper/lead (%)
materials (nm)
lead/copper (nm)














Cu0.02Sr4.98(PO4)3Cl: Eu
360-410
101.5
450
447


Cu0.2Mg0.8BaP2O7: Eu, Mn
360-400
102
638
635


Pb0.5Sr1.5P1.84B0.16O6.84: Eu
360-400
102
425
420


Cu0.5Mg0.5Ba2(P,Si)2O8: Eu
360-400
101
573
570


Cu0.5Sr9.5(P,B)6O24Cl2: Eu
360-410
102
460
456


Cu0.5Ba3Sr6.5P6O24(F,Cl)2: Eu
360-410
102
443
442


Cu0.05(Ca,Sr,Ba)4.95P3O12Cl: Eu, Mn
360-410
101.5
438, 641
435, 640


Pb0.1Ba2.9P2O8: Eu
360-400
103
421
419









Meanwhile, the phosphor of the light emitting device can comprise aluminate, silicate, antimonate, germanate, phosphate type chemical compound, and any combination thereof.



FIG. 6 is one of the embodiment's emission spectrum according to the invention, which the phosphor is used for the light emitting device. The embodiment may have a light emitting diode with 405 nm wavelength and the phosphor, which is mixture of the selected multiple chemical compounds in proper ratio. The phosphor may be composed of Cu0.05BaMg1.95Al16O27: Eu which may have peak wavelength at about 451 nm, Cu0.03Sr1.5Ca0.47SiO4: Eu which may have peak wavelength at 586 nm, Pb0.006Ca0.6Sr0.394Sb2O6: Mn4+ which may have peak wavelength at about 637 nm, Pb0.15Ba1.84Zn0.01Si0.99Zr0.01O4: Eu which may have peak wavelength at around 512 nm, and Cu0.2Sr3.8Al14O25: Eu which may have peak wavelength at about 494 nm.


In such an embodiment, part of the initial about 405 nm wavelength emission light from the light emitting diode is absorbed by the phosphor, and it is converted to longer 2nd wavelength. The 1st and 2nd light is mixed together and the desire emission is produced. As the shown FIG. 6, the light emitting device convert the 1st UV light of 405 nm wavelength to wide spectral range of visible light, that is, white light, and at this time the color temperature is about 3,000K and CRI is about 90 to about 95.



FIG. 7 is another embodiment's emission spectrum, which the phosphor is applied for the light emitting device. The embodiment may have a light emitting diode with about 455 nm wavelength and the phosphor, which is mixture of the selected multiple chemical compounds in proper ratio.


The phosphor is composed of Cu0.05Sr1.7Ca0.25SiO4: Eu which may have peak wavelength at about 592 nm, Pb0.1Ba0.95Sr0.95Si0.998Ge0.002O4: Eu which may have peak wavelength at about 527 nm, and Cu0.05Li0.002Sr1.5Ba0.448SiO4: Gd, Eu which may have peak wavelength at about 557 nm.


In such an embodiment, part of the initial about 455 nm wavelength emission light from the light emitting diode is absorbed by the phosphor, and it is converted to longer 2nd wavelength. The 1st and 2nd light is mixed together and the desire emission is produced. As the shown FIG. 7, the light emitting device convert the 1st blue light of about 455 nm wavelength to wide spectral range of visible light, that is, white light, and at this time the color temperature is about 4,000K to about 6,500K and CRI is about 86 to about 93.


The phosphor of the light emitting device exemplarily described herein can be applied by single chemical compound or mixture of plurality of single chemical compound besides the embodiments in relation to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, which are explained above.


According to the description above, light emitting device with wide range of color temperature about 2,000K to about 8,000K or about 10,000K and superior color rendering index of greater than about 60 (e.g., between about 60 and about 90, or greater than about 90, or between about 90 and about 95) can be realized by using the lead- and/or copper-containing chemical compounds.


In such a wavelength conversion, the light emitting device exemplarily described herein is capable of use in mobile phones, note book computers and electronic devices such as home appliance, stereo, telecommunication products, as well as in custom display's key pad and back light applications. Moreover, the light emitting device exemplarily described herein can be applied in automobiles, medical instruments and illumination products.


In addition, the chemical compounds exemplarily described herein can be incorporated within paint as a pigment capable of converting wavelengths of light.


According to the embodiments exemplarily described above, the chemical can increase the stability of the light emitting device against water, humidity, vapor as well as other polar solvents.


In the foregoing described embodiments, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for purposes of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

Claims
  • 1. A light emitting device, comprising: a light emitting diode to emit light; anda phosphor to change a wavelength of the light, the phosphor covering at least a portion of the light emitting diode, the phosphor comprising: a compound comprising a host lattice and a luminescent ion, the luminescent ion comprising at least one rare earth element within the host lattice,wherein the host lattice comprises first ions and oxygen,wherein a portion of the first ions are substituted by copper ions, andwherein the compound is to emit light upon excitation with ultraviolet light or visible light, due to direct-type transitions, f-d transitions, or charge transfer transitions.
  • 2. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound comprises an aluminate, an antimonite, a germanate, a germanate-silicate, a phosphate, or any combination thereof.
  • 3. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(Al2O3).e(M″′O).f(M″″2O3).g(M′″″oOp).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 4. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).4-a-b-c(M′″O).7(Al2O3).d(B2O3).e(Ga2O3).f(SiO2).g(GeO2).h(M″″xOy), wherein:M′ is Cu or a combination of Cu and Pb;M″ is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, or any combination thereof;M′″ is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, or any combination thereof;M″″ is In, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or any combination thereof, or is at least one of In, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb in combination with at least one of Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Lu;X is F, Cl, Br, I, or any combination thereof;0<a≦4;0≦b≦2;0≦c≦2;0≦d≦1;0≦e≦1;0≦f≦1;0≦g≦1;0<h≦2;1≦x≦2; and1≦y≦5.
  • 5. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″O).c(Al2O3).d(M′″2O3).e(M″″O2).f(M″″′xOy), wherein:M′ is Cu or a combination of Cu and Pb;M″ is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, or any combination of thereof;M′″ is B, Ga, In, or any combination thereof;M″″ is Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Hf, or any combination thereof;M″″′ is Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or any combination thereof, or is at least one of Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb in combination with at least one of Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Lu;0<a≦1;0≦b≦2;0<c≦8;0≦d≦1;0≦e≦1;0<f≦2;1≦x≦2; and1≦y≦5.
  • 6. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″O).c(M′″X).d(M′″2O).e(M″″2O3).f(M″″′oOp).g(SiO2).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 7. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(Sb2O5).e(M′″O).f(M″″xOy), wherein:M′ is Cu or a combination of Cu and Pb;M″ is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, or any combination thereof;M′″ is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, or any combination thereof;M″″ is Pr, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Gd, or any combination thereof, or is at least one of Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy in combination with at least one of Bi, Sn, Sc, Y, and La;X is F, Cl, Br, I, or any combination thereof;0<a≦2;0≦b≦2;0≦c≦4;0<d≦8;0≦e≦8;0≦f≦2;1≦x≦2; and1≦y≦5.
  • 8. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(GeO2).e(M′″O).f(M″″2O3).g(M″″′oOp).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 9. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(P2O5).e(M′″O).f(M″″2O3).g(M″″′O2).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 10. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the divalent copper ions are to increase luminous density of the phosphor.
  • 11. A light emitting device, comprising: a light emitting diode to emit light; anda phosphor to change a wavelength of the light, the phosphor covering at least a portion of the light emitting diode, the phosphor comprising: a compound comprising a host lattice and a luminescent ion, the luminescent ion comprising at least one rare earth element within the host lattice,wherein the host lattice comprises first ions and oxygen,wherein a portion of the first ions are substituted by copper ions,wherein the compound is to emit light upon excitation with ultraviolet light or visible light, due to direct-type transitions, f-d transitions, or charge transfer transitions, andwherein the compound comprises an aluminate.
  • 12. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the divalent copper ions are to increase luminous density of the phosphor.
  • 13. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(Al2O3).e(M′″O).f(M″″2O3).g(M′″″oOp).h(M″″″″xOy),
  • 14. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).4-a-b-c(M′″O).7(Al2O3).d(B2O3).e(Ga2O3).f(SiO2).g(GeO2).h(M″″xOy), wherein:M′ is Cu or a combination of Cu and Pb;M″ is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Au, Ag, or any combination thereof;M′″ is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, or any combination thereof;M″″ is In, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or any combination thereof, or is at least one of In, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb in combination with at least one of Bi, Sn, Sb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Lu;X is F, Cl, Br, I, or any combination thereof;0<a≦4;0≦b≦2;0≦c≦2;0≦d≦1;0≦e≦1;0≦f≦1;0≦g≦1;0<h≦2;1≦x≦2; and1≦y≦5.
  • 15. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″O).c(Al2O3).d(M′″2O3).e(M″″O2).f(M′″″xOy), wherein:M′ is Cu or a combination of Cu and Pb;M″ is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Mn, or any combination of thereof;M′″ is B, Ga, In, or any combination thereof;M″″ is Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Hf, or any combination thereof;M′″″ is Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or any combination thereof, or is at least one of Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb in combination with at least one of Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Lu;0<a≦1;0≦b≦2;0<c≦8;0≦d≦1;0≦e≦1;0<f≦2;1≦x≦2; and1≦y≦5.
  • 16. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″O).c(M′″X).d(M′″2O).e(M″″2O3).f(M″″′oOp).g(SiO2).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 17. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(GeO2).e(M′″O).f(M″″2O3).g(M′″″oOp).h(M″″″xOy),
  • 18. The light emitting device of claim 11, wherein the compound has the formula: a(M′O).b(M″2O).c(M″X).d(P2O5).e(M″′O).f(M″″2O3).g(M′″″O2).h(M″″″xOy),
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
10-2004-0042396 Jun 2004 KR national
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/491,457, filed on Jun. 25, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/948,845, filed on Nov. 30, 2007 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,909), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/024,702, filed on Dec. 30, 2004 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,554,129), and claims priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-0042396, filed on Jun. 10, 2004, which are all hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 12491457 Jun 2009 US
Child 13665744 US
Continuation in Parts (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 11948845 Nov 2007 US
Child 12491457 US
Parent 11024702 Dec 2004 US
Child 11948845 US