Utilizing Tb3+ as an energy transfer bridge to connect Eu2+-Sm3+ luminescent centers: realization of efficient Sm3+ red emission under near-UV excitation

The Eu2+ -> Tb3+ -> Sm3+ energy transfer scheme has been proposed to realize the sensitization of Sm3+ ion emission by Eu2+ ions. Following this energy transfer model, near-UV convertible Sm3+-activated orange phosphors have been obtained in Sr3Y(PO4)(3):Eu2+, Tb3+, Sm3+ powders.