A couple of Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) films with Sm3+ and Dy3+ ions have been prepared by a conventional solution cast technique. For these Sm3+ and Dy3+ doped PVA films, Fourier transform infrared and also absorption spectral measurements have been carried out. Excitation and emission spectra and decay curves have been recorded to understand emission performance of the polymers namely Sm3+ : PVA film with lambda(exci) = 400 nm and Dy3+ : PVA film with lambda(exci) = 349 nm. Emission performances of these films have been explained in terms of relevant energy level schemes. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.