Abstract: ?-SiAlON represented by a general formula Si6-zAlzOzN8-z with Eu dissolved therein, whose spin density corresponding to absorption g=2.00±0.02 at 25° C. obtained by the electron spin resonance method is equal to or lower than 6.0×1016 spins/g. A method of manufacturing the ?-SiAlON includes: a mixing step of mixing ?-SiAlON materials; a baking step of baking the ?-SiAlON having undergone the mixing step; a heating step of increasing the ambient temperature of the materials having undergone the mixing step from 1500° C. to a baking temperature of the baking step at a rate equal to or lower than 2° C/min.; an annealing step of annealing the ?-SiAlON having undergone the baking step; and an acid treatment step of acid-treating the ?-SiAlON having undergone the annealing step. The objective of the present invention is to provide ?-SiAlON capable of achieving high luminescent efficiency, a method of manufacturing the ?-SiAlON, and a light-emitting device using the ?-SiAlON.

Abstract: Provided is a production method of a ?-sialon phosphor that europium ions are solid-solved in ?-sialon, including a mixing process for mixing raw materials of the ?-sialon phosphor; a burning process for burning the raw materials after the mixing process to form the ?-sialon phosphor; a HIP treatment process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the burning process is subjected to a HIP treatment; an annealing process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the HIP treatment process is subjected to an annealing treatment; and an acid treatment process in which the ?-sialon phosphor after the annealing process is subjected to an acid treatment. According to the production method of a ?-sialon phosphor, a ?-sialon phosphor excellent in luminescence intensity is obtained.

Abstract: ?-sialon phosphor that is ?-sialon represented by a general expression: (M)x(Eu)y(Si, Al)12(O, N)16 (where M is one or more types of elements selected from a group consisting of Li, Mg, Ca, and Y as well as lanthanide element (except for La and Ce) and including at least Ca), the ?-sialon phosphor being structured so that an oxygen content is 1.2 mass % or less and primary particles constituting the ?-sialon have a columnar shape. When the ?-sialon phosphor receives ultraviolet rays or visible light having a wavelength from 250 to 500 nm as an excitation source, the ?-sialon phosphor shows a fluorescent characteristic having a peak in a wavelength region from 595 to 630 nm.