Luminescent characteristics of UV excited Sr_0.5Ca_0.5TiO₃: Pr³⁺ reddish-orange phosphor

Pr³⁺ doped Sr_0.5Ca_0.5TiO₃ phosphors were synthesised by solid state reaction process. The structure, surface morphology and photoluminescence of the prepared phosphors were analysed using XRD, SEM and photoluminescence spectroscopy respectively. The XRD pattern confirmed orthorhombic perovskite structure of the Sr_0.5Ca_0.5TiO₃: x Pr³⁺ phosphor. Agglomeration of particles with irregular shapes is observed from the SEM images. The emission spectra of Sr_0.5Ca_0.5TiO₃: x Pr³⁺ phosphor shows the samples can be effectively excited with UV light at 336 nm and exhibit a strong reddish-orange emission at 611 nm. Concentration dependence of emission intensity shows concentration quenching effect on increasing Pr³⁺ concentration after x = 0.1 because of dipole–dipole interaction. Using Blasse's formula, critical distance for energy transfer was calculated. The CIE co-ordinates, CCT, colour purity and luminescence decay of the prepared phosphors were also calculated. These results offer the prepared phosphor as a suitable candidate for various photonic applications. - Highlights: • Sr_0.5Ca_0.5TiO₃: x Pr³⁺ perovskite structured phosphors were synthesized. • Under UV excitation, the PL spectra show strong reddish-orange emission. • The emission from ³P_J levels of Pr³⁺ were absent due to the presence of IVCT band. • Concentration quenching due to dipole–dipole interaction was observed. • For x = 0.1, sample shows a maximum emission intensity with 91.7% colour purity.