Dy3+ doped CaMoO4 powders (CaMoO4:Dy-x(3+)) have been fabricated via solid-state ceramic method; the microstructures and room temperature photoluminescence properties of the as-fabricated microcrystallines were investigated by through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence analysis (FA); and the effect of the doping of Dy3+ ions on the microstructures and luminescence properties of the CaMoO4:Dy-x(3+) phosphors were also investigated. Our results reveal that the obtained CaMoO4:Dy-x(3+) phosphor powders are single-phase scheelite structure with tetragonal symmetry. The doping of Dy3+ ion inhibits the grain growth, decreases the intrinsic emission of MoO42-complex ions. With regard to CaMoO4:Dy-x(3+) phosphors, a bright fluorescent yellow emission at 574 nm (F-4(9/2) -> H-6(13/2)) and blue emission at 487 nm (F-4(9/2) -> F-6(15/2)) have been observed. The decay time of the two emission spectra (487 nm and 574 nm) of Dy3+ ion both decrease with increasing Dy3+ concentration. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.