The phosphors of Ca1-2xMxIn2O4:xEu(3+) (M = Li, Na, K) were prepared by solid-state reaction method, which showed the characteristic emissions of Eu3+ (D-5(j) -> F-7(j'') j=0, 1, 2, 3 j ' = 0, 1, 2, 3 transitions). The emission located at 618 nm due to the D-5(0)-> F-7(2) transition was dominantly observed in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, leading to a red emission of the phosphors. The phosphors can be excited efficiently by both 394 nm and 465 nm light. Li+, Na+, K+ ions were doped as charge compensators to enhance red emission of the phosphors, and different effects of the alkali metal ions on the luminescence of the phosphors were investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.