Ca$_{3}$ZrSi$_{2}$O$_{9}$:Eu$^{3+}$ (CZS:Eu$^{3+}$) phosphors were synthesized by using a microwave irradiation method. The crystal structure, surface morphology and luminescence properties of the phosphors were analyzed for different Eu$^{3+}$ concentrations. The CZS:Eu$^{3+}$ phosphor exhibited their strongest emission at 610 nm under 392-nm excitation. Because the CZS:Eu$^{3+}$ phosphor contains 7 mol% of Eu$^{3+}$, the luminescent intensity at the dominant emission wavelength was maximized. Considering these analysis we applied, the CZS:Eu$^{3+}$ phosphors to detect latent fingerprints on various substrate materials. Under UV excitation, the detected fingerprints showed a red emission with high resolution. The results of this study show that the CZS:Eu$^{3+}$ phosphor can be used as luminescent sensor to detect latent fingerprints.

Keywords: Ca$_{3}$ZrSi$_{2}$O$_{9}$:Eu$^{3+}$, Microwave irradiation, Phosphor