Synthesis and characterization of new red phosphors for white LED applications

An efficient red phosphor, BaMoO4:Pr3+, has been fabricated by a convenient solid-state method. A strong red emission centered at 643 nm corresponding to the P-3(0) -> F-3(2) transition of Pr3+ is observed under 430-500 nm excitation. In addition, improvement of the intensity of the red emission has been achieved by adding an alkali chloride to the BaMoO4:Pr3+ phosphor samples, this being explained by a charge compensation mechanism. The influence of the sintering temperature on the luminescence properties of the phosphors is also discussed.