The photophysical properties of europium-doped calcium titanate for near ultra-violet excitation were studied in order to investigate whether it is applicable to white light-emitting diodes. CaTiO3:Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method. The structures and basic properties of the phosphors were characterized by using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, UV-visible spectrophotometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The photophysical properties were examined by taking excitation and emission spectra. A strong red luminescence corresponding to D-5(0)-> F-7(2) transition of Eu3+ under near ultra-violet excitation was observed. It was found that CaTiO3:Eu3+ was a red-emitting phosphor and had higher efficiency for operation under near ultra-violet excitation. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.