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In this volume we have attempted to present a concise survey of the spectroscopic properties of insulators as derived from the application of tunable laser spectro­ scopic techniques. As has been the case in gaseous atomic spectroscopy, the use of tunable lasers has allowed the extension and the refmement of optical measure­ ments in the condensed phases to unprecedented resolutions in the frequency and temporal domains. In turn, this firmer base of empirical fmdings has led to a more sophisticated theoretical understanding of the spectroscopy of optically excited states with major modifications being apparent in the area of their dynamic be­ havior. Yet the revivalistic nature of these advances implies that additional advan­ ces are to be expected as the techniques and developments outlined in this volume are put to widespread use. Regardless, it is our hope and that of our distinguished colleagues in this venture that the reviews presented here will be useful to neo­ phytes and veterans to this field alike - to the former as a laissez-passer into solid-state spectroscopy, to the latter as a useful synopsis and reference of recent developments. We have also attempted to expose the reader to the concept that optically active materials, be they organic or inorganic, as universality would require, be­ have in a like manner and, though terminology may vary in detail, the outline and general features of all insulators remain constant.

This volume originated in a happy event honoring Arthur Schawlow on his 65th birthday. As a research physicist, Schawlow has been a major infiuence on the present nature of physics and of high technology. He has also had a role, through the American Physical Society and other organizations, in shaping policy for the world of physicists. Important as these professional activities have been, the contributions to this volume were not prepared just for these reasons, but more for Art Schawlow the friend, colleague, and teacher. I am one who has had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with Art, probably over a longer period of time than others participating in this volume, and in a number of different enterprises; his friendship and stimulating scientific abilities are a very significant part of my own life. It is hence a pleasure to take part in this volume celebrating his contributions to science and to scientists. Schawlow's career has been geographically centered at the University of Toronto, Columbia University, the Bell Telephone Laboratories, and Stan­ ford University. But, as is illustrated by the papers of this volume, its effects and his personal infiuence have diffused widely. In his own work, Art Schawlow is noted for thoughtful imagination, keen physical intuition, and what might be thought an interest in gadgets - not just any gadgets, but beautiful and innovative mechanisms or new techniques in which he charac­ teristically recognizes important potentials.

Drawn from the second edition of the best-selling Phosphor Handbook, Practical Applications of Phosphors outlines methods for the production of various phosphors and discusses a broad spectrum of applications. Beginning with methods for synthesis and related technologies, the book sets the stage by classifying and then explaining practical phosphors according to usage. It describes the operating principle and structure of phosphor devices and the phosphor characteristics required for a given device, then covers the manufacturing processes and characteristics of phosphors. The book discusses research and development currently under way on phosphors with potential for practical usage and touches briefly on phosphors that have played a historical role, but are no longer of practical use. It provides a comprehensive treatment of applications including lamps and cathode-ray tubes, x-ray and ionizing radiation, and for vacuum fluorescent and field emission displays and covers inorganic and organic electroluminescence materials. The book also covers phosphors for plasma displays, organic fluorescent pigments, and phosphors used in a variety of other practical applications. Emphasizing the practical and cutting-edge nature of the material included, the editors round out their coverage with a discussion of solid-state and organic laser materials.

Drawing from the second edition of the best-selling Handbook of Phosphors, Fundamentals of Phosphors covers the principles and mechanisms of luminescence in detail and surveys the primary phosphor materials as well as their optical properties. The book addresses cutting-edge developments in phosphor science and technology including oxynitride phosphors and the impact of lanthanide level location on phosphor performance.Beginning with an explanation of the physics underlying luminescence mechanisms in solids, the book goes on to interpret various luminescence phenomena in inorganic and organic materials. This includes the interpretation of the luminescence of recently developed low-dimensional systems, such as quantum wells and dots. The book also discusses the excitation mechanisms by cathode-ray and ionizing radiation and by electric fields to produce electroluminescence. The book classifies phosphor materials according to the type of luminescence centers employed or the class of host materials used and interprets the optical properties of these materials, including their luminescence characteristics and mechanisms. Placing a strong emphasis on those materials that are important from a practical point of view, the coverage also includes those possessing no possibility for practical use but are important from a theoretical standpoint.

Measuring the properties of phosphors is an essential step in developing and selecting phosphors for specific applications. Consisting of chapters drawn from the second edition of the best-selling Handbook of Phosphors, Measurements of Phosphor Properties outlines various methods for characterizing and measuring the optical and luminescence properties of phosphors. The book covers measurement in the vacuum-ultraviolet region, measurement of particle size and optical properties of phosphor powders, and relevant aspects of color vision in the human eye. It details the optical properties of powder layers, color vision, and other miscellanies. It concludes with a detailed history of phosphor technology and industry.

Laser-based optical spectroscopies are powerful and versatile techniques that are continuing to evolve and find new applications. This book presents reviews of recent progress in our understanding of the spectra and dynamical processes of optically excited states of condensed matter, focusing on the advances made possible by the application of laser-based optical spectroscopies. Reviews are given of the optical properties of crystalline and amorphous semiconducting materials and structures, the properties of defect centers in insulators, two-photon nonlinear processes in insulators, optical energy diffusion in inorganic materials, and relaxation in organic materials. The individual chapters emphasize the methodology common to the various investigations. The volume is designed to be suitable as an introduction to applied laser spectroscopy of solids, as well as providing an update on the status of the field.

Inorganic Phosphors: Compositions, Preparation and Optical Properties addresses practical and theoretical aspects of inorganic phosphors used in lighting and display applications. Authors Yen and Weber present the synthesis of phosphors in a...cookbook... style that features nearly 300...recipes... using the most up-to-date guidelines and methods