Tuning light emission in Bi and V codoped MgAl2O4 nanostructured films

This study investigates the synthesis of novel Bi and V-codoped MgAl 2 O 4 nanostructured thin films for near-white-light emission upon UV excitation. Sequential pulsed laser deposition (PLD) from Bi, V, and MgAl 2 O 4 targets was employed to prepare nanostructured films with different compositions. The films have been thoroughly analyzed using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Upon heat treatments at 500°C and 800°C, the films exhibit a broad blue emission in Bi-doped films and a broad yellow emission in V-doped films, respectively. We demonstrate that a strategic combination of Bi and V codoping in MgAl 2 O 4 nanostructures results in near-white light emission. This study highlights the ability to finely control the nanostructure and emission properties of thin films using PLD, and the use of abundant and non-toxic elements to produce white light emission, with significant implications for advanced and sustainable photonic applications.