Phosphorescent
Phosphorescent
Phosphorescent (/ˌfɒsfəˈrɛsənt/) is a specific type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The slower time scales of the re-emission are associated with "forbidden" energy state transitions in quantum mechanics. As these transitions occur very slowly in certain materials, absorbed radiation is re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the original excitation.
Etymology
The term "phosphorescence" is derived from the Greek words phos meaning "light", and phoros meaning "bearer". It was first used in the early 17th century to describe substances that glowed after being exposed to light.
Related Terms
- Photoluminescence: The process in which a substance absorbs photons and then re-radiates them. Most forms of luminescence are forms of photoluminescence.
- Fluorescence: The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.
- Quantum Mechanics: A fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phosphorescent
- Wikipedia's article - Phosphorescent
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