Optical analysis of Sr3Gd(PO4)3:Pr3+ phosphors for lighting applications

A series of praseodymium (Pr3+) ion activated Sr3Gd(1-x)(PO4)(3):xPr(3+) (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 Sr3Gd(PO4)(3) phase. The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy images show the agglomeration of particles that are inter-connected and form irregular shape Sr3Gd(PO4)(3) structures. The excitation transitions corresponding to Pr3+:H-3(4) -> P-3(2,1,0) 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 D-1(2) -> H-3(4) transition when excited at 445 nm blue wavelength. The synthesized phosphors have the potential to be used as reddish-orange lighting devices.