Strong visible luminescence of Tb3+ ions due to intra-4f shell transitions are obtained from Tb3+-doped titania (TiO2) films fabricated by sol-gel method. Based oil the overlap of excitation band of Tb3+-doped TiO2 and absorption hand of undoped TiO2, we propose an energy transfer mechanism from TiO2 host to Tb3+ ions. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity is found to have a well matching relation with the doping concentration of Tb3+ ions. Concentration quenching of PL occurs when Tb3+ Concentration exceeds a certain value (9.5 mol%). Luminescence intensity is improved obviously after co-doped with Ce3+ ions because of the sensitization effect of Ce3+ ions and the dispersion of Tb3+ ions in TiO2 system. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.