Luminescence in Africa: a brief overview [Invited]

A short overview of the luminescence research done in Africa is presented. A summary of the number of publications, with the necessary explanation, is given to elaborate on the research done to date. Most of the research was done on phosphor materials as well as luminescence dating by using optically stimulated luminescence. Phosphor materials have several applications, which are given as examples of the progress of research in Africa. A short future perspective is added at the end of the overview. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America