Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of a novel CaLaGa3O7:Dy3+ phosphor

A single host white emitting phosphor, CaLaGa3O7:Dy3+, was synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser particle size analysis, and photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra were used to investigate the structural and optical properties of the phosphor. The phosphor particles were composed of microspheres with a slight tendency to agglomerate, and an average diameter was of about 1.0 μm. The Dy3+ ions acted as luminescent centers, and substituted La3+ ions in the single crystal lattice of CaLaGa3O7 where they were located in Cs sites. Under excitation with ultraviolet light and a low voltage electron beam, the CaLaGa3O7:Dy3+ phosphor exhibited the characteristic emission of Dy3+ (4F9/2-6H15/2 and 4F9/2-6H13/2 transitions) with intense yellow emission at about 573 nm. The chromaticity coordinates for the phosphor were in the white region. The relevant luminescence mechanisms of the phosphor are investigated. This phosphor may be applied in both field emission displays and white light-emitting diodes.