Abstract
Visible and infrared DCEL emission has been observed in thin films of ZnS:Cu:Nd:Cl prepared by co-evaporation in vacuum. The lifetimes of the excited states of the Nd3+ ion and the emission intensities at various wavelengths have been studied as a function of temperature and applied voltage. The energy distribution of the conduction band hot electrons taking part in the electroluminescence excitation process has been shown to follow a Boltzmann function and the mean energy of the hot electrons has been found to be 0.16 eV, a value which is consistent with the measured energy conversion efficiencies.