Infrared up-conversion material CaS:Eu, Sm was synthesized by the low-temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method, which has expanded the application range of the LCS method which is always used in the synthesis of oxides and compound oxides. The combustion process was discussed and the effect of the amount of carbamide on the up-conversion luminescence properties was analyzed. XRD patterns show that the products are with the cubic CaS crystal structure. Spectral analysis indicates that the sample can be excited effectively by ultraviolet or visible light to store energy, and subsequently is sensitive to 800-1600 nm infrared light and then emit red light resulting from the multi-transitions of Eu(2+) 4f(6)5d -> 4f(7)((8)S(7/2)). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.