Abstract：The luminescence mechanism of rare earth organic complexes is summarized. Organic ligands are sensitized to rare earth ions, and their transition energy is transferred to rare earth ions for their luminescence. Several novel organic ligands, such as aromatic amines, β-diketones and polyamine polycarboxylic acids, are listed. The research and application of rare earth organic complexes should be devoted to the development of high performance organic ligands. It is considered that new organic ligands with strong plane rigidity and effective protection of rare earth ions can be synthesized by solving the problems of easily quenched by water and low quantum yield. It can effectively enhance the fluorescence intensity of rare earth organic complexes and improve their application scope.

Keywords：rare earth organic complexes; organic ligand; sensitization; fluorescence property