Novel phosphors of Eu3+, Tb3+ or Bi3+ activated Gd2GeO5

Novel phosphors of Eu3+, Tb3+ or Bi3+ doped Gd2GeO5 were synthesized and their photoluminescent and cathodoluminescent properties were investigated. (Gd1−xEux)2GeO5 and (Gd1−xTbx)2GeO5 formed continuous solid solution in the range of x=0.0–1.0. Gd2GeO5:Eu3+ and Gd2GeO5:Bi3+ presented bright red and blue luminescence for both UV and cathode ray excitation, respectively. While Gd2GeO5:Tb3+ gave bright green cathodoluminescence. In all three phosphors, the energy transfer from Gd3+ to activators (e.g. Eu3+, Tb3+ or Bi3+) occurred.