X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence study of rare earth ions doped strontium sulphide phosphors

► NEXAFS absorption edges were simulated using atomic multiplet calculations. ► Simulated and experimental results were correlated to ascertain electronic structure of dopant. ► Ce and Sm were found to be in their trivalent electronic states in SrS. ► The PL emission and excitation spectra of SrS:Sm have been discussed. ► SrS:Ce,Sm shows different PL emission at different excitation energies.