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

Abstract

A series of praseodymium (Pr3+) ion activated Sr3Gd(1−x)(PO4)3:xPr3+ (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+:3H4 → 3P2,1,0 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 1D2 → 3H4 transition when excited at 445 nm blue wavelength. The synthesized phosphors have the potential to be used as reddish‐orange lighting devices.