One-dimensional ZnAl2O4 and ZnAl2O4: A(3+) (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers were fabricated by electrospinning method. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that the fibers were composed of the cubic ZnAl2O4 phase. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the ZnAl2O4 microfibers annealed at 1000 degrees C were composed of some smaller nanoparticles and the diameters of the microfibers were in the range of 140-230 nm. Under the excitation of ultraviolet and low-voltage electron beams (3-51 kV), the ZnAl2O4: A(3+) (A Cr, Eu, Tb) samples showed the emission of the host and the doping ions. The evolution of the optical properties of microfibers with increasing the doping concentration was investigated in detail. Green and red emissions can be realized in ZnAl2O4 microfibers by changing the doping ions. The ZnAl2O4: A(3+) (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microlibers have potential applications in full-color field emission displays. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.