On the correlation between the composition of Pr3+ doped garnet type materials and their photoluminescence properties

► Incorporation of Mg2+-Si4+ pairs or Ga3+ into garnets reduces the optical band gap. ► Incorporation of Ga into Lu3Al5O12 quenches [Xe]4f15d1→[Xe]4f2 luminescence of Pr3+. ► The decay time of Pr3+ [Xe]4f15d1-[Xe]4f2 emission increases from 100 to 350 K.