The scenario for exciton binding by rare earth (RE) ions is described.
The RE intra-shell emission can be induced by an energy transfer from
RE bound excitons to the RE ''core'' states. Carrier binding can also
deactivate the RE emission. Auger-type recombination channels are dis
cussed based on the results of photoluminescence and optically detecte
d cyclotron resonance (ODCR) studies of Yb doped InP and RE doped wide
band gap II-VI compounds.