Luminescence can be simplydefined as anyemission of visibleelectromagnetic radiation (light) not ascribable directly toincandescence.[1] Incandescence emerges at high temperatures due tothermal radiation; in contrast, because luminescence is often independent of temperature, it is sometimes termedcold light.[2] However, some kinds of luminescence (e.g., candoluminescence, pyroluminescence, thermoluminescence) are associated with or require elevated temperatures. Notably, luminescence is exhibited byprimary light sources (which emit light) rather than bysecondary light sources (whichreflect ortransmit light).[3]
Luminescence has also been defined to include alloptical radiation, rather than being limited to visible radiation.[3] In addition, it has been defined as aspontaneous emission ofradiation from an electronically or vibrationally excited species not inthermal equilibrium with its environment.[4]
Candoluminescence, is light emitted by certain materials at elevated temperatures, which differs from theblackbody emission expected at the temperature in question.
Cathodoluminescence, a result of a luminescent material being struck by electrons
Electroluminescence, a result of an electric current passed through a substance
Fluorescence, traditionally defined as the emission of light that ends immediately after the source of excitation is removed. As the definition does not fully describe the phenomenon, quantum mechanics is employed where it is defined as there is no change in spin multiplicity from the state of excitation to emission of light.[10]
Galvanoluminescence, a result of passage of an electric current through an electrolyte in which an electrode is immersed
Phosphorescence, traditionally defined as persistent emission of light after the end of excitation. As the definition does not fully describe the phenomenon, quantum mechanics is employed where it is defined as there is a change in spin multiplicity from the state of excitation to the emission of light.[10]
The dials, hands, scales, and signs of aviation and navigational instruments and markings are often coated with luminescent materials in a process known asluminising.[15]
^Bulychev, Nikolay V.; Kazaryan, Mishik A.; Kudryavtseva, Anna D.; Kuznetsova, Mariya V.; Limonova, Tatyana F.; Shevchenko, Mikhail A.; Tcherniega, Nikolay V.; Zemskov, Konstantin I. (2018). "Anti-Stokes luminescence in nanoscale systems". In Tarasenko, Victor F.; Kabanov, Andrei M. (eds.).International Conference on Atomic and Molecular Pulsed Lasers XIII. Vol. 10614. p. 106140N-2.doi:10.1117/12.2303482.ISBN978-1-5106-1732-2.
^Cooper, John R.; Randle, Keith; Sokhi, Ranjeet S. (2003).Radioactive Releases in the Environment: Impact and Assessment.Wiley. p. 192.ISBN978-0-471-89924-2.
^"Über Fluorescenz und Phosphorescenz, I. Abhandlung" (On fluorescence and phosphorescence, first paper),Annalen der Physik und Chemie,34: 446–463. From page 447: "Ich möchte für diese zweite Art der Lichterregung, für die uns eine einheitliche Benennung fehlt, den Namen Luminescenz vorschlagen, und Körper, die in dieser Weise leuchten, luminescirende nennen." [For this second type of light excitation, for which we lack a consistent name, I would like to suggest the name of "luminescence", and call "luminescing" [any] bodies that glow in this way.]
