Growth characteristic and optical properties of the amorphous ZnO thin films prepared on soda-lime-silica glass substrates by chemical solution process at 100 and 200 degrees C were investigated by using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning probe microscope, ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and photoluminescence. The films exhibited an amorphous pattern even when finally heat treated at 100-200 degrees C for 60 min. The photoluminescence spectrum of amorphous ZnO films shows a strong near-band-edge emission, while the visible emission is nearly quenched. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.