Luminescence of Pr3+ in La2CaB10O19: Simultaneous observation PCE and f–d emission in a single host

A series of samples La2−xPrxCaB10O19 were prepared by a solid-state reaction technique. The spectroscopic characteristics, including the steady-state excitation and emission spectra in the VUV–vis range, the luminescence decays and the concentration quenching are investigated. Two types of emission, photon cascade emission (PCE) and f–d emission were observed in the samples. The phenomena are interpreted in terms of different occupancies for Pr3+ in La3+ and Ca2+ sites.