White luminescence and energy transfer process in Bi3+,Sm3+ co-doped Ca3Al2O6 phosphors

Ca3Al2O6:Bi3+,Sm3+ phosphors were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method and their luminescent properties were systemically investigated by excitation, emission spectra and decay curves measurement. Through an efficient energy transfer process from Bi3+ to Sm3+, the obtained phosphors exhibit emission from Bi3+ and Sm3+ with considerable intensity under near-ultraviolet excitation (300 nm). Tuning the content of Sm3+ can generate the varied hues from blue green to white. Our research will extend the understanding of interactions between Bi3+ and rare earth ions and show the potential application of Bi3+,Sm3+ co-doped phosphors in W-LEDs field. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.