Optical analysis of Sr3 Gd(PO4 )3 :Pr3+ phosphors for lighting applications.

ABSTRACT

A series of praseodymium (Pr3+ ) ion activated Sr3 Gd(1-x) (PO4 )3xPr3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0 mol%) phosphors were prepared and their structural, compositional and luminescence properties were investigated. The X-ray diffraction profiles indicate that the studied phosphors crystallized into body centred cubic structure and the Pr3+ ions have no influence on Sr3 Gd(PO4 )3 phase. The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy images show the agglomeration of particles that are inter-connected and form irregular shape Sr3 Gd(PO4 )3 structures. The excitation transitions corresponding to Pr3+3 H4 → 3 P2,1,0 transitions at 445, 471 and 483 nm, respectively, matched well with the emission of blue-light-emitting diode (LED) chip. The emission spectra show strong reddish-orange luminescence through 1 D2 → 3 H4 transition when excited at 445 nm blue wavelength. The synthesized phosphors have the potential to be used as reddish-orange lighting devices.