Optical properties of Bi(3+) doped SrS nanophosphors synthesized by solid state diffusion method in the presence of sodium thiosulfate as a flux have been reported. UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of SrS phosphors doped with trivalent Bi(3+) ions either alone or in combination with charge compensating ions, were also studied. These studies reflect that the incorporation of Bi(3+) into host lattice is facilitated by the charge compensating Na(+) ions. PL emission for SrS:Bi shows a peak at 481 nm at an excitation wavelength of 430 nm, which is attributed to the transition from the (3)P(1) to (1)S(0) states of Bi(3+). We have also investigated the effect of different dopant concentrations on PL emission intensity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.