Spark plasma sintering of MgAl2O4:Mn2+ transparent ceramic phosphors with low thermal quenching, narrow-band green emission.

MgAl2O4:Mn2+ transparent ceramics were fabricated by reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS). The ceramic samples show narrow-band green emission under the 450 nm blue light excitation, which is corresponding to 4T1(4 G)-6A1(6S) transition of Mn2+ in the tetrahedral site. The emission peak of the Mg0.93Al2O4:0.07Mn2+ ceramic sample was located at 525 nm with the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) value of 36 nm. The internal quantum yield (IQY) of Mg0.93Al2O4:0.07Mn2+ reached 63%. The emission intensity remained ∼98% at 150 °C compared to its initial value at room temperature, showing excellent thermal quenching performance. The results indicated that MgAl2O4:Mn2+ ceramic phosphor is a promising candidate for high brightness, wide gamut display backlight applications.