Recent applications of combinatorial methodology to the investigation of optical functional materials are reviewed on the basis of the authors’ work. The content includes: basic concepts of combinatorial materials science, combinatorial investigations of UV/VUV excited photoluminescence, luminescent rear earth complex doped polymer and magneto-optical materials. The fundamental synthesis tech-niques and characterization methods in combinatorial methodology are also illustrated in the text. Recent applications of combinatorial methodology to the investigation of optical functional materials are reviewed on the basis of the authors’ work. The content includes: basic concepts of combinatorial materials science, combinatorial investigations of UV / VUV excited photoluminescence, luminescent rear earth complex doped polymer and magneto-optical materials. The fundamental synthesis tech-niques and characterization methods in combinatorial methodology are also illustrated in the text.