Luminescence properties of GaN and Al0.14Ga0.86N/GaN superlattice doped with europium

Abstract
We report the observation of visible photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence of Eu 3+ ions implanted in GaN and Al 0.14 Ga 0.86 N/GaN superlattice. The sharp characteristic emission lines corresponding to Eu 3+ intra- 4f 6 -shell transitions are resolved and observed over the temperature range of 7–330 K. The luminescence shows dominant transitions 5 D 0 → 7 F 1,2,3 and weaker 5 D 0 → 7 F 4,5,6 and 5 D 1 → 7 F 1 . The luminescence emission is very weakly temperature dependent. The intensity of Eu 3+ emission from Al 0.14 Ga 0.86 N/GaN superlatticeannealed in N 2 is ∼58% stronger than from Eu 3+ in the GaN layer. The Al 0.14 Ga 0.86 N/GaN superlattice and GaN epilayers may be suitable as a material for visible optoelectronic devices.