Luminescence loss mechanisms

Almost a century of research on luminescent materials has resulted in a very good understanding of luminescence mechanisms, and as a result many luminescent materials have been developed which operate at physical limits in terms of energy-or quantum efficiency. Mechanisms limiting phosphor performance have been studied as well and many factors reducing the phosphor's efficiency have been identified. This paper reviews on mechanisms reducing the luminescence efficiency in phosphors, ways to circumvent them and elucidates the application impact. The paper ends with a condensed overview of potential remedies for the mechanisms discussed.