Luminescence and the Solid State

The importance of solid state science are summarized in the introductory chapters of this edition, and many of the chapters have been completely rewritten or revised.
Each chapter has a special contribution to make in the overall understanding of the solid state science of phosphors and luminescence.

- Introduces the reader to the science and art of preparing inorganic luminescent materials.
- Describes how and why luminescent materials exhibit such specific intrinsic properties.
- Describes the science of the solid state and presents the exact formulas and conditions required to make all of the phosphors known at that time.

Since the discovery of the transistor in 1948, the study of the solid state has been burgeoning. Recently, cold fusion and the ceramic superconductor have given cause for excitement. There are two approaches possible to this area of science, namely, that of solid state physics and solid state chemistry, although both overlap extensively. The former is more concerned with electronic states in solids (including electromagnetics) whereas the latter is more concerned with interactions of atoms in solids. The area of solid state physics is well documented, however, there are very few texts which deal with solid state chemistry. Luminescence and the Solid State has been written to fulfil this need.

The concepts regarding luminescence and phosphors are unique and have been covered extensively providing a useful reference source for anyone requiring such knowledge as a basis for further study. The discussion on the defect state, which is handled in chapter two, can be applied to many other systems, e.g. ceramic superconductors. The book has extensive, useful equations and figures, the derivations of which are simple and easy to follow. This useful, comprehensive text can be used for self-study and should also prove invaluable in a graduate study as an introduction to the solid state and luminescence

Since the first date of publication of this book in 1991, the subject of phosphors and luminescence has assumed even more importance in the overall scheme of technological development. Many new types of displays have appeared which depend upon phosphors in their operation. Some of these were pure conjecture in 1991 but are a reality in 2004. Descriptions have been included of the newer (as well as the older) types of displays in this edition along with an annotated portrait of the phosphors used in each category. Many of these new light sources promise to displace and make obsolete our current light sources, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps and the ubiquitous colour Cathode Ray Tube now used in TV and computer monitors.

The importance of solid state science are summarized in the introductory chapters of this edition, and many of the chapters have been completely rewritten or revised.
Each chapter has a special contribution to make in the overall understanding of the solid state science of phosphors and luminescence.

- Introduces the reader to the science and art of preparing inorganic luminescent materials.
- Describes how and why luminescent materials exhibit such specific intrinsic properties.
- Describes the science of the solid state and presents the exact formulas and conditions required to make all of the phosphors known at that time.