Inorganic luminescent materials:: 100 years of research and application

Up until approximately 80 years ago, only black-body radiation (including natural sources) was available to illuminate our environment. To realise state-of-the-art lamps, TV sets, monitors, and medical scanners, took an enormous scientific and technical effort. Inorganic luminescent materials are key components, which were, are, and will be prerequisite to the functionality and success of many lighting and display systems. In this Highlight, a hundred years of inorganic luminescent material are reviewed.