The spectroscopic properties of 4-dimethylamino-4'-cyano-stilbene (DCS) in non-polar and polar solvents at 23 degrees C were studied by steady-state absorption, emission and polarization spectra and time-resolved emission spectra (TRES), as well. Besides of 1 ns component, the short time component of fluorescence (tau similar to 50 ps) was found for DCS in propanol and other polar solvents. Maximum wavelength of emission spectra shifts for more than 40 nm within first 290 ps after excitation. Polarization spectra show increase of r in the 0-0 transition neighbouring wavelength. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.