Advances in atomic-to-nanoscale Cr³⁺ lattice engineering for near-infrared emitting ceramic phosphors

Near-infrared phosphor-converted LEDs (NIR pc-LEDs) represent a pivotal advancement in next-generation NIR light sources, owing to their compact form factor and tunable spectra. However, the performance of devices is currently constrained by the limited luminescence efficiency and inadequate thermal stability of converted materials, coupled with the low absorption rate of phosphors for blue light. Ceramic phosphors (CPs), which exhibit high thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability, have emerged as highly promising candidate materials to address these challenges. This article presents a systematic review of the latest materials systems for NIR CPs, with a focus on analyzing their luminescence performances, thermal properties, and electro-optical conversion efficiency. It also offers perspectives on future development trends, aiming to provide a valuable reference for advancing high-performance NIR lighting and detection technologies.