Polyethylene films doped with Eu(III) complex, their optical properties and technological applications

Light-converting polyethylene film containing Eu(III) complex with phenanthroline was manufactured under an extrusion process. The film was characterized by means of time-of-flight secondary-ion-mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), ultraviolet-visible-infrared (UV-Vis-IR) spectroscopy, study of excitation and luminescence spectra, quantum yield and lifetime of luminescence. TOF-SIMS surface mapping showed the uniform distribution of Eu(III) over the film. Typical Eu(III)-phenanthroline complex excitation and fluorescence spectra were recorded, the quantum yield of fluorescence being 5±2%. Luminescence lifetime was measured as 0.4 ms. Visualization of strong subpicosecond UV laser beams through the use of developed film has been demonstrated.