The synthetic ZnAl2O4 spinels doped with Cr 3+ions are prepared from ZnSO4, Al4(SO 4)3, and Cr2(SO4)3. The spinel single phase is detected from X-ray diffraction. Luminescence properties of Cr3+ in ZnAl2O4 were studied by low temperature luminescence and decay measurements. Four luminescence lines at 14570, 14520, 14460, and 14330 cm-1 were found to originate from structure distortion and the line at 14175 cm-1 - from chromium pairs. The broad emission band at about 13540 cm-1 is considered to arise from a new Cr3+ center in ZnCr2O4.
