We report the investigation of luminescent nanoparticles produced by ns pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation of silicon in water. Combined characterization by AFM and IR techniques proves that these nanoparticles have a mean size of similar to 3 nm and a core-shell structure consisting of a Si-nanocrystal surrounded by an oxide layer. Time resolved luminescence spectra evidence visible and UV emissions; a band around 1.9 eV originates from Si-nanocrystals, while two bands centered at 2.7 eV and 4.4 eV are associated with oxygen deficient centers in the SiO2 shell. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.