A few common misconceptions in the interpretation of experimental spectroscopic data

Proper presentation and interpretation of the experimental spectroscopic data is critical to understanding of the luminescence of solids that can increase fundamental scientific knowledge and serve as a practical guide to the development of commercially useful phosphors and other functional optical materials. We find prevalence of erroneous interpretation of the spectroscopic data in scientific reports that are caused by mistakes related to the estimation of the experimental band gaps, location of the defect levels in the band gaps, decomposition of the wide spectral bands into individual Gaussians and meaningful comparison of full widths at half maximum (FWHM). We hope that citing these issues will help researchers avoid making these common mistakes in the interpretation of the spectroscopic data. • Several common misconceptions in the experimental spectra treatment are explained. • Relation between band gap and defect levels is discussed. • Relation between FWHM and band maximum is highlighted.