The connection between luminescence and different chapters of spectroscopy is discussed. Modern theoretical concepts and experimental techniques wiped away the boundaries that traditionally existed between them. Nevertheless, the basic notions of luminescence remain valid. Being focused on the dynamics and kinetics of electronically excited states, luminescence serves as an effective tool in solving numerous problems in contemporary solid-state physics. Electron–phonon interaction, excitons in disordered systems, the emission spectroscopy of the fractional quantum Hall effect and spin injection are discussed as specific examples.
In this Lecture, I display my personal perspective on the progress in physics of excitons during the last 50years. Preference is given to the areas of this extensive field which I participated. They include molecular excitons, giant oscillator strength inherent in bound excitons, self-trapping problem, strong magnetic fields including spectroscopy of the quantum Hall effect, etc. Critical importance of international scientific collaboration is also discussed.
