YVO4:Eu3+ thin films doped with Li ions were grown by the pulsed laser deposition method and their luminescence properties are investigated by the time-resolved laser-excitation spectroscopy. The emission spectra originating in the self-trapped exciton and near-band-edge of YVO4 host lattice are separated by the method of time-resolved spectroscopy. The emission arising from near-band-edge is significantly reduced by Li substitution in the YVO4:Eu3+ lattice leading to luminescence enhancement. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.