Abstract Spectroscopic properties of Pb 2+ in different fluoride host lattices were studied in order to investigate if Pb 2+ can serve as a sensitizer for the Gd 3+ –Eu 3+ quantum cutting system. Strong B′ emission of Pb 2+ was found in several fluoride host lattices and for the first time B′ emission is reported at room temperature. It is shown that sensitization of the 6 G levels of Gd 3+ is possible via B′ emission of Pb 2+ in the host lattice (BaF 2 ) 0.6 (GdF 3 ) 0.4 and visible quantum cutting with an efficiency of 20% is observed upon excitation in the C band of Pb 2+ . The possibility of sensitization of Gd 3+ by A′ emission of Pb 2+ in KMgF 3 is discussed.