ZnO:Zn phosphor thin films were prepared by face-to-face annealing at 450 degrees C in air. The effects of the face-to-face annealing on the structural and optical properties of the ZnO films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), optical transmittance and absorption measurements. Measurement results showed that the crystal quality of ZnO films was improved by face-to-face annealing. Both UV light emission and visible light emission were enhanced compared to those of open annealing films. The UV emission peak was observed to have a blueshift towards higher energy. The optical band-gap edge of as-annealed films shifted towards longer wavelength. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.