BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM) phosphors in the form of thin films have not yet been realized by physical vapor deposition methodologies due to technical difficulties. We report here on the preparation of thin-film-type BAM phosphors using a pulsed laser deposition technique. The luminescent and structural properties of BAM thin-film phosphors were monitored as a function of key processing parameters such as oxygen partial pressure, deposition time, laser energy density, and the type of postdeposition treatments used. By optimizing these processing parameters, BAM thin films with large homogenous areas (similar to 150 mm(2)) and an acceptable photoluminescence could be produced. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.