Sol-gel synthesis, structural and optical properties of rare earth ions (Sm3+ or Dy3+) activated Ca3Ga2Si3O12 powder phosphors

► Sm3+ and Dy3+:CaGaSi phosphors were prepared by the sol-gel method. ► Structural, morphological, elemental and photoluminescence properties were studied. ► Sm3+ and Dy3+:CaGaSi phosphors showed orange red and yellow emissions, respectively. ► 5 mol% of Sm3+ and Dy3+:CaGaSi phosphors is used as novel luminescent material.