The invention relates to a new class of luminescent substances (phosphorous) based on an universally dopable matrix made of an amorphous, at the most partially crystalline network of the elements P, Si, B, Al and N, preferably the composition Si3B3N7. Optical excitation and emission can be varied in this system over the entire practically relevant field by incorporation of any cationic activators, alone or in combination, but also by incorporation of oxygen as anionic component. This opens up the entire spectrum of use of luminescent substances, such as illumination systems or electronic screens.