Terbium-activated (M1-xTbx)In2O4 (M = Ca and Sr, x= 0.12, 0.5,1.0,1.5 and 2%) phosphors have been synthesized by combustion route using urea as a fuel in a pre-heated furnace at 500 degrees C. The phosphors characteristic such as photoluminescence, crystallinity and particle morphology were investigated with different level of Th3+ doping. The prepared phosphors under UV source revealed green luminescence that was attributed to the transition from D-5(4) excited state to F-7(5) around state of Tb3+ ions. Qualitative analysis of the phosphors has been performed by energy-dispersive analysis (EDAX). The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the phosphor was also studied and reported. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.