A series of Yb2+-doped BaS orange emitting phosphors were synthesized by solid-state method. The crystal structure and optical properties were investigated. The results indicate that BaS:xYb(2+) phosphors can be efficiently excited by both UV light and blue-LED chips to effectuate orange emitting which corresponding to the allowed 4f-5d transition of Yb2+ ions. The optimized Yb2+ concentration was 0.1 mol%. The preferable excitation spectrum profile and the intense emission show that BaS:xYb(2+) can be used as a potential orange emitting phosphor for UV, blue light exciting white light LEDs. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights