Disclosed herein are
cerium doped, garnet phosphors emitting in the yellow region of the spectrum, and having the general formula (Y,A)3(Al,B)5(O,C)12:Ce3+, where A is Tb, Gd, Sm, La, Sr, Ba, Ca, and / or Mg, and substitutes for Y, B is Si, Ge, B, P, and / or Ga, and substitutes for Al, and C is F, Cl, N, and / or S, where C substitutes for O. Relative to a
solid-state-reaction method, the instant co-
precipitation methods provide a more homogeneous mixing environment to enhance the distribution of the Ce3+ activator in the YAG matrix. Such a uniform distribution has the benefit of an increased
emission intensity. The primary particle size of the as-prepared
phosphor is about 200 nm, with a narrow distribution.