Single-phase solid solution of CdxZn1 - yMnyS offers possibility for tuning full color spectrum. A broad emission with FWHM of similar to 155 nm leading to a broadband emission can be harvested in a nominal composition such as Cd0.54Zn0.43Mn0.03S by a compounded effect of CdS, ZnS and ZnS:Mn responsible for blue, green and red emission, respectively. Contribution from (i) quantization of energy levels due to nano-dimension, (ii) emission arising from trap (mid-gap) states and (iii) Mn2+ spin-forbidden T-4(1)->(6)A(1) transition is responsible for the mechanism of PL in these solid solutions. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.