Pr3+, Mn2+ co-doped K2YZr(PO4)(3) samples were prepared by solid-state reaction method and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated in ultra-violet (UV) and vacuum ultra-violet(VUV) region. The results indicated that in Pr3+ singly doped K2YZr(PO4)(3) sample, the first-step transition (S-1(0) -> I-1(6), P-3(J) around 405 nm) of Pr3+ is near the ultraviolet (UV) range, not useful for practical application. When Mn2+ was doped as a co-activator ion, the energy of S-1(0) -> I-1(6), P-3(J) transition can be transferred synchronously from Pr3+ to Mn2+ and then emit a visible photon. The optimal quantum efficiency (QE) of this co-doped system K2YZr(PO4)(3): Pr3+, Mn2+ reached to 126.3%, suggesting a novel type of practical visible quantum cutting phosphor in promising application. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.