LaPO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles (NP) and nanowires (NW) were prepared by hydrothermal method. Their Luminescent properties were studied and compared to those of the bulk powders. In particular, the thermal quenching characteristics for the luminescence of Eu3+ were studied. It was observed that the quenching rate in LaPO4:Eu NP is remarkably lower than in the bulk. This characteristic is helpful of searching for high-temperature phosphors. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.