Steady-state absorption, emission, polarization spectra and time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) were used to study the spectroscopic properties of 4-dimethylamino-4'-methoxy-stilbene (DMS) in various solvents at 23 degrees C. The short time components of fluorescence (tau less than 100 ps) were found for DMS in polar solvents. The long time component shortens with decreasing viscosity of solvents. The maximum wavelength of emission spectra shifts for 15 nm within 200 ps after excitation which is accompanied by a change in the shape of spectra. The emission anisotropy r values increase in the vicinity of the 0-0 transition wavelength. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.