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

Abstract Mn 2+ –Ce 3+ co-doped MgYSi 2 O 5 N 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 Ce 3+ significantly increased with the incorporation of Mn 2+ and an efficient energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Mn 2+ ions occurred. The blue band emission was attributed to the 5d 1 –4f 1 transition of Ce 3+ ions, and the double red band emission was attributed to the single Mn 2+ ion and Mn 2+ pairs or clusters. The effects of Ce 3+ and Mn 2+ concentrations on luminance have also been studied.