Luminescent properties and energy transfer of single phase Eu3+-doped YTaO4 phosphors

Eu3+ doped YTaO4 phosphors were synthesized by a method of molten salt synthesis. The phase and luminescent properties of the obtained phosphors were investigated. The XRD patterns and Raman spectra suggest the formation of YTaO4 and YTaO4:Eu3+ phosphors with the monoclinic M prime crystalline structure. Pure YTaO4 phosphor exhibits a broad emission band in blue color region. YTaO4:Eu3+ phosphors show emission spectra consisting of blue emission band of TaO4 group and characteristic emission bands of Eu3+. By changing Eu3+ doping concentration, tunable luminescence is obtained in YTaO4:Eu3+ phosphors due to the different tendencies of changing emission intensity relating to TaO4 group and Eu3+ ion.