photoluminescence
Absorbed-then-released radiance
Photoluminescence is the emission of light from a material after it absorbs photons.
The absorbed energy excites electrons, which then release light as they return to lower energy states.
Fluorescence and phosphorescence are both forms of photoluminescence—fluorescence fades immediately when the light source is removed, while phosphorescence continues glowing: The photoluminescence of glow-in-the-dark stars comes from phosphorescent materials.
Stimulation of response
- emissionDischarged substance or act
- recombinationGenetic material exchange process
- radiativeEmitting energy as waves
- absorptionProcess of taking in
decay · lifetime · relaxation · singlet state · energy transfer
Bioluminescent nocturnal beetles
- glowwormsBioluminescent beetle larvae
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- coralMarine skeletal formation
scorpion · aurora · minerals · fluorite · calcite · ruby · chlorophyll
Substances emitting stored light
- chromophoreMolecule's tint-causing portion
- quantum dotsNanoscale semiconductors with size-dependent properties
- nanocrystalsCrystalline structures under 100nm
- semiconductorsPartially conductive materials
Light pattern from excited atoms
- spectrometerMeasures electromagnetic radiation properties
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- detectorDevice that senses
- spectralGhostlike or wavelength-related
spectrophotometry · intensity · peak · bandwidth · resolution · calibration · spectral analysis
Light-detecting electronic component
- LEDSemiconductor that glows
- displayPresentation for viewing
- solar cellLight-to-current converter
- laserConcentrated light device
photodetector · biosensor · quality control · authentication · forensics
Heatless delayed light emission
- afterglowLingering light or feeling
- thermoluminescenceLight from heated irradiated material
- quenchingRapid cooling process
- bleachingChemical color removal
excitation
Stimulation of response
- emissionDischarged substance or act
- recombinationGenetic material exchange process
- radiativeEmitting energy as waves
absorption · decay · lifetime · relaxation · singlet state · energy transfer
fireflies
Bioluminescent nocturnal beetles
- glowwormsBioluminescent beetle larvae
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
coral · scorpion · aurora · minerals · fluorite · calcite · ruby · chlorophyll
phosphors
Substances emitting stored light
- chromophoreMolecule's tint-causing portion
- quantum dotsNanoscale semiconductors with size-dependent properties
- nanocrystalsCrystalline structures under 100nm
semiconductors · phosphorescent · nanomaterials · fluorescein
emission spectrum
Light pattern from excited atoms
- spectrometerMeasures electromagnetic radiation properties
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- detectorDevice that senses
spectral · spectrophotometry · intensity · peak · bandwidth · resolution · calibration · spectral analysis
optical sensor
Light-detecting electronic component
- LEDSemiconductor that glows
- displayPresentation for viewing
- solar cellLight-to-current converter
laser · photodetector · biosensor · quality control · authentication · forensics
phosphorescence
Heatless delayed light emission
- afterglowLingering light or feeling
- thermoluminescenceLight from heated irradiated material
- quenchingRapid cooling process
photoluminescenceincandescence
Light from heated objects
thermoluminescence · electroluminescence · chemiluminescence · bioluminescence · thermal radiation
photoluminescencelight absorption
Matter capturing radiant energy
quenching · darkness · opacity · attenuation
photo, illuminate, luminous, illumination, illuminated, luminary, luminosity, fluorescent, luminescent