Solid-surface room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is a relatively new technique which has been used for organic trace analysis in several fields. However, the fundamental interactions needed for RTP are only partly understood. To clarify some of the interactions required for strong RTP, organic compounds adsorbed on several surfaces are being studied. Fluorescence quantum yield values, phosphorescence quantum yield values, and phosphorescence lifetime values were obtained for model compounds adsorbed on sodium acetate-sodium chloride mixtures and on α-cyclodextrin-sodium chloride mixtures. With the data obtained, the triplet formation efficiency and some of the rate constants related to the luminescence processes were calculated. This information clarified several of the interactions responsible for RTP from organic compounds adsorbed on sodium acetate-sodium chloride and α-cyclodextrin-sodium chloride mixtures. Work with silica gel chromatoplates has involved studying the effects of moisture, gases, and various solvents on the fluorescence and phosphorescence intensities. The net result of the study has been to improve the experimental conditions for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity in solid-surface luminescence analysis.