Challenges in application of luminescent materials, a tutorial overview

Abstract

In this paper, a number of different application fields of inorganic luminescent materials are being discussed. In a tutorial manner, it will be shown how device requirements are being translated into properties the luminescent materials need to have. To this end many different material properties that have a strong infuence on the device performance are discussed, such as the shape, the spectral position of the absorption- and emission bands and the decay time of the emission. The light yield under excitation with ionizing radiation, the energy resolution and the occurrence of afterglow are being treated as well. Subsequently, strategies are shown how to optimize these properties. Examples are given for light sources (fluorescent lamps and LEDs), radiation sources used for disinfection purposes and also for devices used in medical imaging and in horticultural applications.