Ce(3+)-activated yttrium aluminum garnet (Y(3)Al(5)O(12):Ce, YAG:Ce) powder as luminescent phosphor was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The phase identification, microstructure and photoluminescent properties of the products were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. Spherical phosphor particle is considered better than irregular-shaped particle to improve PL property and application, so this phosphor was granulated into a sphere-like shape by a spray-drying device. After calcinating at 1500 degrees C for 0, 4, and 8 h, the product was identified as YAG and CeO(2) phases. The CeO(2) phase content is decreased by increasing the calcination time or decreasing the Ce(3+) doping content. The product showed higher emission intensity resulted from more Ce(3+) content and larger grain size. The product with CeO(2) was found to have lower emission intensity. This paper presents the crystal structures of Rietveld refinement results of powder XRD data. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.