Investigation of the depth profiles and luminescence of Eu and Er-ions implanted into AlInN/GaN bilayers differentiates between ions located in the two different III-N hosts. Differences between samples implanted using channeling or off-axis geometries are studied using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectometry. A fraction of ions have crossed the AlInN layer (either 130 or 250 nm thick) and reached the underlying GaN. Cathodoluminescence spectra as a function of incident electron energy and photoluminescence excitation data distinguish between ions within AlInN and GaN. The RE emission from the AlInN is broader and red-shifted and the dependence of the intensity on host is discussed. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)