Temperature dependent luminescence of Pr3+ doped NaCaPO4

Ortho-phosphates according to the composition ABPO4 (A = Li+, Na+, and K+; B = Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) are often investigated and used as hosts for Pr3+ activated phosphors or scintillators. In this work, the characterisation as well as the synthesis of microcrystalline Na1+xCa1-2xPO4:Pr3+x is discussed. In order to ensure that the investigated samples are single phase compounds, X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed. The material was studied regarding its suitability as a UV-C emitting phosphor. Furthermore, the emission spectrum in the visible range was evaluated. Spectroscopic examinations included the temperature-dependent determination of the excitation and emission spectra as well as the measurement of the diffuse reflection characteristics. In order to evaluate its suitability as scintillator material, the emission of the samples was measured upon X-ray irradiation.