Tm3+:Y2O3 powder prepared by combustion synthesis exhibits blue emission centered at lambda similar to 450 nm, corresponding to D-1(2) --> F-3(4) transition of Tm3+, when the sample is irradiated by a pulsed (5 ns, 10 Hz) red laser operating at lambda similar to 690 nm. The blue emission band shifts to lambda similar to 480 nm, corresponding to (1)G(4) --> H-3(6) transition of Tm3+, when Nd3+ is added to the sample. When the laser is tuned to lambda similar to 680 nm, the blue shift effect is not observed. The shifting effect is explained based on single shot laser excitation and energy transfer mechanisms involving Tm3+ and Nd3+ ions. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.