Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescence in Ca3Al2O6

Bluish green emitting phosphor, Ca3Al2O6:Ce3+, is prepared by low-temperature combustion method. X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy techniques are used to characterize the synthesized phosphor. The most efficient bluish green (483 nm) emission is observed under the excitation by near UV light. The emission characteristics are credited to 5d → 4f type transitions in Ce3+. The luminescence properties of Eu2+ are predicted for the first time from those of Ce3+. Also, photoluminescence of Eu3+ is studied in the same host. The emission spectrum of Ca3Al2O6:Eu3+ shows the peak at 592 (orange) and 614 nm (red) wavelengths. Ca3Al2O6:Ce3+phosphor can be a potential blue phosphor for field emission display, solid-state lighting and LED.