Absolute determination of photoluminescence quantum efficiency using an integrating sphere setup

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Physics
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate determination of internal quantum efficiency (IQE) is crucial for luminescent materials.
• Strongly scattering luminescent materials pose challenges for traditional IQE measurement techniques.
• Integrating sphere-based setups offer a promising approach for IQE determination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate an integrating sphere-based setup for rapid and reliable IQE determination.
• To rigorously evaluate two commonly cited measurement procedures: the 'two measurement' and 'three measurement' approaches.
• To compare the uncertainty budgets of these two distinct IQE measurement methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of an integrating sphere-based measurement setup.
• Theoretical evaluation of 'two measurement' and 'three measurement' IQE determination procedures using integrating sphere theory.
• Experimental validation through an inter-laboratory comparison of the two procedures.

Main Results:

• Both the 'two measurement' and 'three measurement' procedures were found to be theoretically valid for IQE determination.
• A comparative analysis of the uncertainty budgets for both methods was performed.
• Experimental data from an inter-laboratory validation confirmed the theoretical findings.

Conclusions:

• The integrating sphere-based setup provides a quick and reliable method for IQE measurement of scattering luminescent materials.
• Both evaluated measurement procedures are scientifically sound and yield valid IQE values.
• The study confirms the applicability and reliability of these methods through theoretical and experimental validation.