Synthesis and luminescence properties of color-tunable Dy3+-activated CaWO4 phosphors

Color-tunable CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors were prepared via a simple conventional solid-state reaction and their luminescent properties were investigated as a function of Dy3+ ion concentration under 258 and 353 nm excitations. A gradual enhancement in the emission intensity was observed with the increment of Dy3+ ion concentration, reaching its maximum value when x = 0.05. The main reason for the concentration quenching of Dy3+ emission in CaWO4 host lattice is due to the electric dipole-dipole interaction. The cathodoluminescence spectra, which were measured at different accelerating voltages and filament currents, were in consistent with the photoluminescence spectrum excited at 258 nm. Additionally, the emission color of CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors can be suitably tuned from blue to green, and finally to yellow by the modulation of excitation wavelength and Dy3+ ion concentration. Ultimately, these color-tunable phosphors may have potential applications in the fields of miniature color displays.