Since their introduction to fluid dynamics experiments during the 80s, luminescence-based optical sensors technology has seen significant evolution, and is now routinely used in a large number of experimental facilities around the world. Pressure- and Temperature-sensitive paints, in particular, are widespread. Despite having one of the largest aerospace industries of the globe, Brazil lags behind on these key technologies, with few examples of application and virtually no research dedicated to the development of new sensor formulations. This thesis describes the introduction and development of the full cycle of fast-response pressure and temperature sensors based on luminescence, from experiment design and data post-processing to sensor development, including detailed analysis of major uncertainty sources. It presents results for a series of experimental campaigns of increasing complexity, starting from the application of commercially available sensitive paint technology to a transonic flow experiment and culminating on the description of a novel temperature-sensitive paint based on a porous supporting matrix and the analysis of its dynamic behavior using a shock tube setting, with acquisition rates of up to 540kHz. It also presents extensive results for uncertainty sources of both monochroic and color cameras based on CMOS technology, which is quickly replacing traditional CCD acquisition devices.