The luminescence of the low-temperature phase of ZrW2O8 is reported an
d discussed. The tetrahedral tungstate group exhibits a large Stokes s
hift and a low quenching temperature of luminescence. This is attribut
ed to the localization of the charge transfer transitions within the s
hort W6+-O2- terminal bond of the [WO4] tetrahedral group. (C) 1998 El
sevier Science Ltd.