Photoluminescence properties of emission-tunable Ca9Y(PO4)7: Tm3+, Dy3+ phosphor for white light emitting diodes

A white-emitting Ca9Y(PO4)7: Tm3+, Dy3+ phosphor has been successfully prepared by conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence spectrophotometer were used to characterize the as-synthesized phosphors. The excitation and emission spectra show that all the Tm3+ and Dy3+ co-doped Ca9Y(PO4)7 samples can be effectively excited by UV light and then emit blue and yellow light simultaneously. Furthermore, the emission and color coordinate of as-obtained samples pumped by 365 nm are able to be adjusted around white light by varying the doping concentrations of Tm3+ and Dy3+. So, the as-fabricated single-composition Ca9Y(PO4)7: Tm3+, Dy3+ phosphor will have a promising application in the area of white light emitting diodes.

► White-emitting Ca9Y(PO4)7: Tm3+, Dy3+ has been prepared by solid-state reaction.
► All as-obtained samples can be effectively excited by UV light.
► Doping content of Tm3+ and Dy3+ has a great effect in luminescence properties.
► Emission and color coordinate of samples are able to be tuned around white light.