Luminescence properties of Sm3+ doped LaP3O9 phosphors

La1−xP3O9:xSm phosphor was synthesized by co-precipitation method. The XRD results revealed the phosphor’s orthorhombic structure where the La3+ ion is present at the bisdisphenoid dodecahedron position but is completely replaced by Sm3+ ions in the host matrix after Sm3+ doping. The FT-IR spectroscopy results show sharp bands in the 400–1400 cm−1 region due to different bonding vibrations in the phosphate groups. Optical transitions and band gaps were estimated for La0.97P3O9:0.03Sm phosphor by using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. PL excitation and emission spectral studies revealed that La0.97P3O9 phosphor with 0.03 mol of Sm3+ is the optimum composition for reddish-orange emission with relatively better color purity percentage and promising potential application for reddish-orange visible photonic devices.