Effects of heat treatment and TiO2 content on the optical properties of Eu3+ doped TiO2-SiO2 thin films

► Eu3+ doped TiO2-SiO2 thin films and powders have been prepared by the sol-gel method. ► Film thickness and refractive index depend on both Ti concentration and heat-treatment temperature. ► The Eu3+ emission increases with TiO2 concentration. ► The PL intensity begins to increase before decreasing for temperatures higher than 600 °C.