“…In all the samples the asymmetric ratio values are found to be less than unity indicating the occupation of more Eu 3+ ions at inversion symmetry site. Similar observation was reported on Eu 3+ doped LnPO 4 (Ln = Y, La, Gd) materials irrespective of crystal structure (tetragonal, hexagonal and monoclinic phases) [18,19]. According to the relationship of the group theory and Eu 3+ emission spectrum, if the Eu 3+ ions occupy the C i , C 2h or D 2h symmetry site, the emission of 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 will present three sharp lines; If the Eu 3+ ions occupy the C 4h , D 4h , D 3d , S 6 , C 6h or D 6h symmetry site, the emission of 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 will present two sharp lines; If the Eu 3+ ions occupy the T h or O h symmetry site, the emission of 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 will present one sharp line.…”