Energy transfer between Pr3+ and Mn2+ in K2YZr(PO4)3: Pr, Mn phosphor

► Pr3+, Mn2+ co-doped K2YZr(PO4)3 phosphor is a novel type of practical visible quantum cutting phosphor in promising application. ► The optimal quantum efficiency (QE) of this co-doped system K2YZr(PO4)3: Pr3+, Mn2+ reached to 126.3%. ► The Mn2+6A1g → 4Eg-4A1g transition was found to coincide well with the 1S0 → 1I6 transition of Pr3+. ► The energy transfer from Pr3+ to Mn2+ was also observed, converting the first photon from the PCE of Pr3+ into the red emission of Mn2+, and the QC process occurred in this Pr3+, Mn2+ co-doped K2YZr(PO4)3 phosphor.