Pure-phase LiAl5O8 Was selected as an oxide ceramic red phosphor material without dopants (color centers) and was synthesized using a self-flux method. The LiAl5O8 Was formed by heating a powder mixture consisting of gamma-Al2O3:Li2SO4 = 1:2 (molar ratio) at over 1100 degrees C for 1 h. Photoluminescence (PC) properties for the synthesized LiAl5O8 were investigated. The maximum intensity of the excitation spectrum for the photoluminescent emission of LiAl5O8 synthesized was at 274 nm. The peak intensity of the emission spectrum was at a wavelength of 667 nm (red color). The intensity of the peak emission spectrum increased with the heating temperature, i.e., the maximum peak intensity of the red emission spectrum was detected for the LiAl5O8 synthesized by heating at 1500 degrees C for 1 h. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.