AbstractThe luminescence spectra of europium (3 + ) doped rare earth oxyhydroxides, REOOH :Eu3 + (RE = Y and Lu), were studied and analyzed at 77 and 300 K under UV and dye laser excitation. The observed 7F0_4 level schemes were simulated with the aid of the phenomenological crystal field theory. The descending symmetry method from C2v to Cs symmetry was used in the simulation. Good results were obtained with Cs symmetry simulation which yielded r.m.s. deviations of 6 and 7 cm -1 between the calculated and experimental 7F0_4 level schemes for YOOH:Eu3 + and LUOOH:EU3+, respectively. The C2v simulation was found inadequate to describe the experimental energy level schemes. The even rank crystal field parameters vary only slightly as a function of the host. Comparison with the corresponding values obtained for the monoclinic form of the Eu3 + doped RE oxyhydroxides reveals significant differences.