A series of phosphors MO-Re2O3-B2O3:Eu3+ (M = Mg,Sr; Re = Eu,Tb,Ce,Gd) were prepared and studied. Excitation spectra indicated a high absorption in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region. Strong emissions peaked at 591 and 613 nm, which were corresponding to the D-5(0) -> F-7(J) (J = 1, 2, 3, 4) transition of Eu3+ when excited under VUV. In addition to the host absorption band of MgO-Y2O3-B2O3, absorption bands around 172, 178, 195, 204 225 nm, were found which were corresponding to the 4f(8)-4f(7)5d transition of Tb3+ of MgO-Y2O3-B2O3:Re (Ce,Tb,Gd). Their energy transfer (Gd3+-Tb3+) was further discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.