Photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies on NaBi(WO4)2 single crystals: A promising Cherenkov radiator

► Results on photoluminescence and photoconductivity of NaBi(WO4)2 are reported. ► These are explained with the help of calculated electronic and optical properties. ► Crystals were annealed in air/vacuum to change the local environment near (WO4)2−. ► Emission bands near 470 and 520 nm could be separated for different excitation. ► The activation energy for thermal quenching of emission was found to be 160 meV.