Excitation induced efficient luminescent properties of nanocrystalline Tb3+/Sm3+:Ca2Gd8Si6O26 phosphors

The cathodoluminescence and the excitation induced photoluminescence properties have been investigated for the nanocrystalline Tb3+/Sm3+:Ca2Gd8Si6O26 phosphors prepared by a solvothermal reaction method. The XRD patterns confirm their hexagonal structure. The green, orange and white emissions have been obtained by exciting at 275, 378, and 405 nm wavelengths, respectively. The corresponding CIE chromaticity coordinates are found to be in close proximity to the standard points in their respective regions. The cathodoluminescence at low accelerating voltage has also covered the entire visible region, resulting in white emission. These luminescent powders are expected to find potential applications in the development of LEDs and FEDs.