Dy3+ doped strontium magnesium aluminate (SMA) phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction method with different calcination temperatures. Structural details of the phosphors were explored by the XRD measurement and the functional groups present in the phosphors were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The luminescent properties of SMA:Dy3+ phosphor were investigated from the excitation and emission spectra. The phosphors calcined at 1350 degrees C show high intense emission with bright white light which in turn confirmed by the evaluated CIE color coordinates. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.