It has been known for many years that most types of glass fluoresce visibly when excited by ultraviolet light (UV). Examination of glass under a "black light" is a widely used, if coarse, technique. Over 50 years ago fluorescence analysis was forecast to have a great future in all branches of glass analysis. So far this potential is unfulfilled except in the specialist area of lasers. This paper reviews the author's work over the last decade to realise a practical luminescence system to facilitate scientific analysis of post medieval vessel glass. This new system is required, since existing techniques in use on earlier and later glasses are not well suited for the problems posed by post medieval artifacts. A prototype system is featured and work to develop, evaluate and calibrate this is discussed.
