Photoluminescence characteristics of Sm3+ doped Ba3La(PO4)3 as new orange-red emitting phosphors

A series of orange-red emitting Ba3La(PO4)3:xSm3+ (0.01≤x≤0.30) phosphors was synthesized by the convenient solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Ba3La(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm3+ ions centered at 563 nm, 600 nm, 647 nm, 710 nm. The strongest one is located at 600 nm due to 4G5/2–6H7/2 transition of Sm3+, generating bright orange-red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm3+ ions in Ba3La(PO4):xSm3+ is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm3+ is calculated as 22 Å. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Ba3La(PO4)3:0.05Sm3+ phosphors was is located in the orange reddish region. The Ba3La(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. -- Highlights: • A new Sm3+-doped Ba3La(PO4)3 phosphor was firstly synthesized. • Its structure, luminescent properties are well studied and characterized. • The Ba3La(PO4)3:Sm3+ shows bright orange reddish emissions under UV excitation