SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ nanorneter phosphors were synthesized by detonation method. The particle morphology and optical properties of detonation soot that was heated at different temperatures (600-1100 degrees C) had been studied systematically by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results indicated SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ nanometer powders in monoclinic system (a=8.442, b=8.822, c=5.160, beta=93.415) can be synthesized by detonation method, when detonation soot was heated at 600-800 degrees C. The particle size of SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ is 35 +/- 115 nm. Compared with the solid-state reaction and sol-gel method, synthesis temperature of the detonation method is lower about 500 and 200 degrees C respectively. After being excited under UN lights, detonation soot and that heated at 600-1100 degrees C can emit a green light. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.