LAUSR

Abstract Luminescence spectroscopic properties of lanthanide ions (Ce3+, Pr3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+) doped into Na3Y(BO3)2 were investigated upon UV-VUV excitation with synchrotron radiation. The positions of 4fn–15d state of Ce3+, Pr3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ in host matrix Na3Y(BO3)2 were deduced according to the excitation spectra. Crystal-field depression D(A), an important parameter to predict the positions of the lowest 4fn–15d levels, was established on the basis of the 5d levels of Ce3+ in Na3Y(BO3)2. Then, the average value of D(A) was obtained and further verified for 4fn–15d configurations of Pr3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ in Na3Y(BO3)2. Finally, the lowest 4fn–15d levels of the other trivalent lanthanide ions in Na3Y(BO3)2 were predicted. The spectroscopic information on 4fn–15d levels of lanthanide ions in Na3Y(BO3)2 may provide new insights useful for designing of new efficient scintillators and WLED phosphors.