Phosphorescence

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Phosphorescence

Phosphorescence (/fɒsfəˈrɛsəns/) is a 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 19th century to describe substances that glow in the dark after being exposed to light.

Related Terms

  • Photoluminescence: The emission of light from any form of matter after the absorption of photons.
  • 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.
  • Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization.

See Also

External links

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