This book presents the recent advances in spectroscopy and theoretical modeling relevant to the interpretation of luminescence and laser phenomena in solid state materials. The available solid state matrices in crystalline and glassy states and the full range of activaters-transition metal ions, rare earth ions and actinides are considered here. Processes of activator excitation, energy transfer between activators and relaxation of excited states are particularly stressed.

Transition metal and rare earth compounds are investigated intensively because of important questions concerning fundamental research problems. More recently also their enormous potential for the development of new materials for photophysical and photochemical applications has been explored. Thus, it is important to focus on a deeper understanding of the elctronic energies, transition prohabilities, intermolecular interactions, etc.. This task has been accomplished by leading researchers in the field. They present introductions into, but also detailed reviews of the current state of knowledge of three different subjects.

With contribution by numerous experts

Transition metal and rare earth compounds are investigated intensively because of important questions concerning fundamental research problems. More recently also their enormous potential for the development of new materials for photophysical and photochemical applications has been explored. Thus, it is important to focus on a deeper understanding of the elctronic energies, transition prohabilities, intermolecular interactions, etc.. This task has been accomplished by leading researchers in the field. They present introductions into, but also detailed reviews of the current state of knowledge of three different subjects.