This text presents recent developments in a wide range of applications of luminescent materials. It compiles contributions from a number of leading scientists in the field, and should be an inspiration for both established and new researchers in this exciting area of research. Thanks to developments in materials research, new applications, requiring specific phosphor properties, have emerged. Wavelength ranges have expanded towards UV and near-IR emission; highly performant persistent phosphors have been developed for safety illumination and bio-imaging; phosphors have been proposed for anti-counterfeiting, energy storage, photocatalysis, thermometry, scintillators and dosimetry; and new synthesis and characterization techniques for luminescent materials have been developed.
