This dissertation centers on the design and testing of new instrumentation and techniques for: (1) high throughput screening of optical sensing films, arrays and biodegradable materials; (2) novel radioluminescent light sources for remote sensing applications; and (3) direct lanthanide (III) photoluminescence measurements.

First, this dissertation describes our approach to characterize the physicochemical properties within xerogel-based composites by using a combination of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. A description of the automated methods utilized for the construction and rapid screening of xerogel libraries is provided.

Next, a radioluminescent (RL) light source is evaluated for the development of photonically-based chemical responsive sensor arrays. The RL light source is assessed by determining the analytical figures of merit from two tris(4,7'-diphenyl-1,10'-phenathroline) ruthenium(II)-doped xerogel-based sensor platforms.

Finally, we describe the design, optimization, and testing of a novel spectroscopic system for investigating direct lanthanide (III) photoluminescence. This section describes the analytical figures of merit and describes challenges overcome to make this system operational.