Synthesis of Eu³⁺-activated BaMoO₄ phosphors and their Judd-Ofelt analysis: Applications in lasers and white LEDs.

Eu(3+)-activated BaMoO4 phosphors were synthesized by the nitrate-citrate gel combustion method. The Rietveld refinement analysis confirmed that all the compounds were crystallized in the scheelite-type tetragonal structure with I41/a (No. 88) space group. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of BaMoO4 phosphor reveals broad emission peaks at 465 and 605 nm, whereas the Eu(3+)-activated BaMoO4 phosphors show intense 615 nm ((5)D0→(7)F2) emission peak. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to evaluate the intensity parameters (Ω2, Ω4) of Eu(3+)-activated BaMoO4 phosphors. The transition probabilities (AT), radiative lifetime (τrad), branching ratio (β), stimulated emission cross-section (σe), gain bandwidth (σe×Δλeff) and optical gain (σe×τrad) were investigated by using the intensity parameters. CIE color coordinates confirmed that the BaMoO4 and Eu(3+)-activated BaMoO4 phosphors exhibit white and red luminescence, respectively. The obtained results revealed that the present phosphors can be a potential candidate for red lasers and white LEDs applications.