Hot luminescence and relaxation processes in resonant secondary emission of solid matter

Abstract The results of the theoretical and experimental studies of hot luminescence (HL) are reviewed. The main features of HL as a component of resonant secondary emission, emitted before the thermal equilibrium is established in the excited electronic state, are discussed. Investigation of HL and relaxation processes up to picosecond rate via HL spectra is considered and the corresponding experimental results presented concerning various luminescence centres and systems.