The formation and luminescence properties of the complex of terbium ion (Tb

3+

)-salicylates (methyl salicylate MS

and phenyl salicylate PS) and the energy transfer processes from the complex to europium ion (Eu

3+

) have been investigated by use of the steady state and transient state time-resolved emission spectroscopy.From the fluorecence spectra and lifetime data of the MP system (Table 1)

it can be seen that

with the increase of Tb

3+

concentration

the fluorescence intensity of the MP decreases and the characteristic emission of Tb

3+

ions increases.Plots of F

0

/F against the concentration of Tb

3+

ions satisfy the Stern-Volmer equation.But the fluorescence lifetime remains constant

τ

0

/τ≈1. this is a typical static quenching process

[4]

. Absorption changes are also observed in the absorption spectra and the absorption peaks of complex appear at longer wavelength than those of MS and PS do.We can conclude from the study that Tb

3+

ions form steady complex in ground state with MP

MS by certain proportion and transfer the absorption energy effectively to center Tb

3+

ions. The terbium luminescence intensity is increased by many times in the complex than that in the studied systems.