Intense VUV 5d-4f luminescence is revealed from Nd3+ and Tm3+ doped in Na0.4Y0.6F2.2.
Nd3+ 5d-4f luminescence shows concentration quenching even for small doping levels.
Spin-allowed 5d-4f luminescence of Tm3+ possesses very weak concentration quenching.
Spin-forbidden 5d-4f luminescence of Tm3+dominates in VUV emission spectrum.
Crystals Na0.4(Y,RE)0.6F2.2 (RE = Nd3+, Tm3+) are potential active media for VUV lasers.