Persistent phosphors are luminescent materials that have the specific ability to store energy within the crystal lattice, due to the presence of traps. Heat, light and/or pressure can release this stored energy, after which photons are emitted. While these materials are typically used for safety applications (e.g. like glow-in-the-dark safety signage), modified persistent phosphors can be used to sense temperature, optical and/or pressure fields. This project will i) investigate specific trapping and detrapping processes, ii) study the influence of external fields on the trapping and detrapping and iii) develop new materials for specific sensing applications.