A series of Sm3+ doped Ca19Mg2(PO4)(14) red phosphors were successfully synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that all the samples are single phased. The luminescence property is investigated in detail by measuring their photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra. Ca19Mg2(PO4)(14):Sm3+ phosphors show strong absorption in 400-410 nm region, which is suitable for application in LEDs. When excited at 403 nm, Ca19Mg2(PO4)(14):Sm3+ phosphor can emit red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.615, 0384). The optimal doping concentration of Sm3+ doped Ca19Mg2(PO4)(14) is measured to be 0.02. The thermal quenching property is also measured and compared with the commercial red phosphor Y2O3:Eu3+ (Topstar, TXC-RIA). The results indicate Ca19Mg2(PO4)(14):Sm3+ phosphors have potential to serve as a red phosphor for white LEDs. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.