Cerium-activated polyphosphates NaGd(PO3)(4):Ce3+ were prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction technique. The emission spectra of NaGd(PO3)(4):Ce3+ under UV and X-ray excitation as well as the fluorescence decay curves were determined. The phosphors show broad emission bands in the wavelength range 300-350 nm. The fluorescence decay of Ce3+ upon 297 nm excitation exhibits a single exponential characteristic with a decay constant around 12.4 ns. The light yield of NaGd(PO3)(4): 10.0 at% Ce3+ excited with X-rays at RT was calculated to be about 21000 +/- 1500 photons/MeV. Due to its suitable emission wavelength range, high light yield, shorter decay time and non-hygroscopic property, NaGd(PO3)(4):Ce3+ may be a potential scintillator material. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.