NIR luminescence phosphors Sr 2 CeO 4 :Yb 3+ , M + (M + =Li + , Na + , K + ) were synthesized by conventional solid-state method in the present paper. The prepared phosphors are characterized by XRD and fluorescence spectrometer. Under UV light excitation, the NIR emission intensity of Yb 3+ : 2 F 5/2 → 2 F 7/2 around 1μm of Sr 2 CeO 4 :Yb 3+ is strengthened significantly by introducing appropriate alkali metal cations dopants (Li + , Na + , K + ) into the crystalline lattice. The relevant mechanisms have been discussed in detail. The peculiar optical properties make Sr 2 CeO 4 :Yb 3+ , M + (M + =Li + , Na + , K + ) promising for potential application in the high efficiency silicon-based solar cells.