Inorganic Phosphors for Mercury Free Lamps : Light emitting materials (phosphors)

"Cold" light such as that emitted by a fluorescent lamp, surrounds us and aids our comfortable life. Nevertheless, a shadow of extinction has been cast over present fluorescent lamps. Waste electrical and electric equipment (WEEE) and restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electric equipment (RoHS) directives restrict the use of hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, etc.) in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. After July 2006, electrical and electronic equipment containing such harmful chemicals can not be introduced to the European market. Although fluorescent lamps, which are based on a mercury-discharge, were not the object of the present restrictions, their use of mercury will be prohibited in the near future. Consequently, demand for new mercury free lamp materials for modern illuminating engineering have therefore increased recently. In concern to this issue, we had focused on synthesis of some selected rare earth activated light emitting materials (phosphors) from halosulphate, phosphate, halophosphate, oxides and fluoride materials. Aim of these materials for mercury free lamps applications.