Photoluminescence properties of CaAlB[O.sub.4]:M

[Pb.sup.2+], [Dy.sup.3+], and [Sm.sup.3+] doped CaAlB[O.sub.4] materials were synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-Ray powder diffraction. The emission and excitation spectra of these phosphors were measured at room temperature. The emission band of CaAlB[O.sub.4]:[Pb.sup.2+] appeared as a broad band at 339 nm upon excitation with 272 nm. The second phosphor, CaAlB[O.sub.4]: [Dy.sup.3+], emits at 477, 570, and 670 nm upon 347 nm excitation. The third phosphor, CaAlB[O.sub.4]:[Sm.sup.3+], emits at 563, 594, 643, and 705 nm upon 236 nm excitation.