The effects of Eu3+ doping concentration and sintering temperature on the fluorescence properties of La3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14 nanoparticles were examined. The room-temperature fluorescence spectra were measured; they showed a reddish orange emission, which can be attributed to the D-5(0)-F-7(1) and D-5(0)-F-7(2) transition. The relationship between the relative emission intensity and the doping concentration of the specimens is consistent with a Gaussian distribution. The optimum value of the Eu3+ doping concentration in LGN nanoparticles is in the range of 3.0-3.5%. Moreover, in LGN bulk crystal for laser use, the optimum value is presumed in the range of 2.5-3.0%. The fluorescent lifetime of 3.5% Eu:LGN nanoparticle is 9.2 ns. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.