The luminescence properties of Zn-rich zinc oxide thin film have been investigated. The luminescence of ZnO:Zn is attributed to the band to band radiative transition and the recombinations at self-activated centers intrinsic to ZnO. The UV and blue electroluminescence emission band centered around 480 nm and the broad ultraviolet photoluminescence spectra are observed. The field-induced ionization of excited luminescent of ZnO:Zn thin film at high electric field is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.