Optical characterization of Sm3+-doped calcium-orthosilicate phosphors prepared using the solid-state reaction method

Trivalent samarium-doped calcium-orthosilicate (Ca2SiO4:Sm3+) powder is synthesized by varying Sm2O3 amounts and the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the obtained powders formed as orthorhombic-structured Ca2SiO4. Scanning electron microscope images show that the powders have uniform structures of a few micrometers in size. Photophysical features are analyzed by taking absorption, excitation, and emission spectra. Emission spectra exhibit a red-orange luminescence from the (4) G (5/2) -> (6) H (7/2) transition of Sm3+ in all synthesized phosphors. Both the physical and the optical properties show that Ca2SiO4:Sm3+ is an encouraging red-orange emitting phosphor applicable to photonics operating with near ultra-violet excitation.