Photoluminescence studies of Na 2 Gd(PO 4) 2 :Sm 3+ Nano Phosphors for SSL Applications

Trivalent samarium (Sm3+) doped Na3Gd(PO4)2 (NGP) phosphors were prepared by citrate gelcombustion process. The structure, optical and energy transfer studies were systematically characterized through photoluminescence (PL), X- ray diffraction, and decay measurements, respectively. Upon 406 nm excitation Sm3+ doped NGP phosphors emit orange-red luminescence with peak maximum at 602 nm. Sm3+ ions were located at the inversion symmetry sites of NGP lattice. The Commission International de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates were calculated from the photoluminescence spectra. The NGP: Sm3+ phosphors can be used as a promising material for solid state lighting devices.