Blue and red luminescence from Mn2+-Ce3+ co-doped MgYSi2O5N phosphors

Mn2+-Ce3+ co-doped MgYSi2O5N phosphors were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. Their photoluminescence properties were studied in terms of absorption, excitation, and emission spectra. They could be effectively excited by ultraviolet light and showed intense blue and red emissions, making them attractive candidate phosphors for white light LED application. The luminescence of Ce3+, significantly increased with the incorporation of Mn2+ and an efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Mn2+ ions occurred. The blue band emission was attributed to the 5d(1)-4f(1) transition of Ce3+ ions. and the double red band emission was attributed to the single Mn2+ ion and Mn2+ pairs or clusters. The effects of Ce3+ and Mn2+ concentrations on luminance have also been studied. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.