The feasibility of utilizing the microphosphor Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ in latent fingerprint visualization was explored in this work. The micromorphology and elemental composition of the phosphor particles were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The photoluminescence performance of Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ was characterized by the photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra together with the fluorescence decay curves. All the as-synthesized phosphors could be pumped by the ultraviolet, and the photoluminescence spectra consisted of line peaks from the typical 4 f→4 f transitions of Tb3+. The Ba 3 Lu 3.98 O 9 :0.02Tb3+ gave off intense green emission with CIE coordinate of (0.2904, 0.5430). The emission of this phosphor was well matched with the photopic luminosity curve. The photoluminescence intensity of the phosphor recorded at 425 K retained 77.8% of that at room temperature. Furthermore, in the fingerprint visualization experiment, based on this phosphor, the multilevel characteristics of LFP attached with the as-studied phosphor could be clearly identified. All the results signified that Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ microphosphor was a promising candidate for latent fingerprint visualization. [Display omitted] • The Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ phosphor was obtained through the high-temperature solid-state reaction. • The Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ phosphor exhibits excellent thermal stability from room temperature to 425 K. • The intense green emission of UV-pumped Ba 3 Lu 4 O 9 :Tb3+ phosphor is well matched with the photopic luminosity curve. • The as-produced microphosphor has auspicious prospects in latent fingerprint visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]