Photoluminescence studies of NaCaPO4:RE (RE=Dy, Mn or Gd)

The purpose of the present study is to develop an understanding of photoluminescence properties of Dy³⁺, Mn²⁺ or Gd³⁺doped NaCaPO₄ phosphors, which have served as efficient phosphors in many industrial applications. The phase formation was confirmed by the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectrum measurement of NaCaPO₄:Dy³⁺ shows this phosphor can be efficiently excited by near-ultraviolet (UV) light from 300 to 400 nm and presents dominant luminescence band centered at 480 nm (blue) and 573 nm (yellow). The PL excitation of NaCaPO₄:Mn²⁺ and Gd³⁺ under UV wavelength shows the emissions at 520 and 313 nm, respectively. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows an average crystallite size in sub-micrometer range. The obtained results show that the phosphors have the potential for application in the lamp industry and medical applications.