In this paper, a series of novel orange-red emission phosphors Sr8ZnY(PO4)(7):Sm3+ (SZYP:Sm3+) were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The photoluminescence and concentration-dependent properties of this phosphor were investigated carefully through diffuse reflection spectra, excitation and emission spectra, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinate and decay times. SZYP:Sm3+ could be efficiently excited by n-UV and blue lights which center at 318, 345, 363, 376, 401, 410, 440 and 475 nm, respectively. The characteristic orange-red emission peaki...