UV light induced luminescence processes in AlN nanotips and ceramics

UV induced luminescence properties of AlN (Eg = 6.2 eV) have been studied for AlN nanotips and AlN ceramics, using methods of photoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence and thermoluminescence. In both types of objects the main luminescence band, which appears in prompt and stimulated emission spectra around 400 nm, arises due to presence of oxygen-related defects. The main difference between AlN nanotips and AlN ceramics is observed in excitation spectra and TL properties. Basing on the experimental results it is assumed that several different energy transfer mechanisms occur in AlN. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)