Synthesis and tunable emission properties of CaZr(PO4)2:Mn2+, Sm3+ phosphor

CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ and CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphors are synthesized by high-temperature solid state reaction method in air. CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ phosphor shows green emission and its broad emission band peaking at ~545 nm within the range 470–650 nm is attributed to the 4 T 1 (G) →  6 A 1 ( 6 S) transition of Mn 2+ ion. The optimal Mn 2+ doping concentration is ~5 mol% in CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ phosphor. CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphor with excitation 399 nm emits reddish-orange light, and it shows a systematically varied hue from green to yellow with excitation 405 nm by changing Sm 3+ and Mn 2+ ions concentration. The luminous mechanism of CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphor is analyzed and explained by the simplified energy level diagrams of Mn 2+ and Sm 3+ ions in CaZr(PO 4 ) 2 :Mn 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphor. The experimental results are helpful to develop new Mn 2+ /Sm 3+ -doped materials.