Pr3+-doped LuF3 and BaMgF4 were investigated by high-energetic synchrotron radiation. In the emission spectra bands due to the intraconfigurational 4f(2) --> 4f(2) transitions originating from the S-1(0) and P-3(0) multiplets of the Pr3+ ion have been identified. In the ultraviolet/vacuum-ultraviolet excitation spectra broad bands due to the interconfigurational 4f(2)-4f5d transitions as well as the weak line due to the H-3(4) --> S-1(0) transition are observed. The emission quantum efficiency between 390 and 750 nm was calculated using the Judd-Ofelt approach and by comparison with that of Pr3+:YF3 to be approx. 1.6 for Pr3+:LuF3 and approx. 1.3 for Pr3+:BaMgF4. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.