Time-resolved luminescence allows the differences between rare-earth e
lements and manganese accommodation in apatites to be distinguished. T
he valence state and exact crystal site of incorporated cations are in
terpreted from the spectral characteristics, Contrary to the apriory i
ncorporated cations, the adsorbed species can be revealed only after h
igh temperature diffusion. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.