α-type silicon nitride phosphor and production method thereof

Abstract

A practical novel phosphor material composed of an α-type silicon nitride, i.e., an α-type silicon nitride phosphor containing a fluorescence-emittable element throughout an α-type silicon nitride particle from the surface to the inside, is provided. Portions having a high emittable element concentration are preferably present like islands, and the fluorescence-emittable element is preferably a lanthanide metal. A powder composed of a fluorescence-emittable element is added to silicon diimide (Si(NH)2) or an amorphous silicon nitride powder obtained by thermally decomposing silicon diimide (Si(NH)2), the powders are mixed, and the mixture is fired in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, whereby the phosphor material is obtained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.