Eu3+-activated NaBaPO4: phosphor has been synthesized by a high temperature solid state reaction and an efficient red emission under near-ultraviolet excitation is observed. The emission spectrum shows a dominant peak at 614 nm due to the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition of Eu3+. The excitation spectrum is coupled well with the emission of UV LED (350-410 nm) and blue LED (450-470 nm). The effect of the Eu3+ concentration on the luminescent properties of NaBaPO4:Eu3+ is studied. The results show that NaBaPO4:Eu3+ is a very appropriate red-emitting phosphor for white LEDs. In order to compensate for charge imbalance between Ba2+ and Eu3+ ions, univalent charge compensation (Na+, K+ and Li+) is added. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.