Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Sm3+-doped LaMgB5O10 and GdMgB5O10

► Phosphorescence of samarium-doped lanthanide magnesium meta borates. ► Bright and well resolved orange-red emission of Sm3+ under UV excitation. ► Energy transfer from Gd3+ to Sm3+ in gadolinium magnesium meta borate is observed. ► The decay lifetimes is around 5% longer for Sm3+ emission upon Gd3+ excitation.