CdWO4 particles were synthesized using a solid-state metathetic reaction assisted by microwave irradiation. Well-crystallized CdWO4 particles formed at 400-600 degrees C after 3 h, showing fine and homogeneous morphologies with particle sizes of 1-3 mu m. The synthesized CdWO4 particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties were examined by photoluminescence emission and Raman spectroscopy. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.