Luminescent devices based on rare earth containing thin films deposited by plasma technology (LUMEN)

The objective of the LUMEN project is the development of luminescent devices incorporating as active layers rare earth containing thin films deposited by plasma CVD.  The thin films will be deposited by novel synthetic approaches that combined classic approaches as magnetron sputtering and plasma CVD with the sublimation of functional molecules. This methodology is very effective to introduce a controlled amount of functional elements (i.e., rare earth cations of functional organic groups) in the growing film. Due to the full compatibility of the proposed methodology with optoelectronics processes the active layers will be directly incorporated in photonic structures as Bragg reflectors and photonic crystals to fabricate prototype devices. Thus, the LUMEN projects start with the development of new materials but also intend to study the functionality of devices that integrates these novel materials in real life conditions. These devices are intelligent label structures, up-converters and ion detectors.