Tru Physics

Phosphorescence

—

by

Tru Physics
in

Phosphorescence is a type of photoluminescence in which a substance emits light after being exposed to light energy (electromagnetic radiation). Unlike fluorescence, which is usually short-lived, phosphorescence can continue to emit light for a period of time after the initial exposure. The excited electrons tend to decay at a much slower rate. This can be as quick as a few microseconds and as long as several hours following the removal of the excitation source.

Phosphorescence. Phosphorescent powders like this are generally activated by UV light. In daylight, the hand in the picture would appear completely normal. However, in a totally dark room, the photons being emitted from the powder become the only source of light.
Phosphorescent powders like this are generally activated by UV light. In daylight, the hand in the picture would appear completely normal. However, in a totally dark room, the photons being emitted from the powder become the only source of light.

Phosphorescence occurs when a molecule or atom is excited by a photon of light and then relaxes back to its ground state in a slow process, releasing the excess energy in the form of a photon. This process can continue for a significant amount of time, depending on the specific properties of the substance. More technically speaking, phosphorescent systems typically undergo many vibrational relaxations as the system crosses from one spin state to the next, eventually emitting a photon at the end.

Phosphorescence has a wide range of applications, including in lighting, imaging, and materials science. It is also commonly used in glow-in-the-dark products, where the phosphorescent material absorbs light during the day and then emits it slowly over time, creating a glowing effect in the dark.

Want to study more? Visit our Index here!

Do you prefer video lectures over reading a webpage? Follow us on YouTube to stay updated with the latest video content!

Comments

One response to “Phosphorescence”

  1. Fluorescence – Tru Physics

    […] the primary differentiating factors between fluorescence and other forms of photoluminescence (like phosphorescence) is the time scale involved. Excited electrons generally return to the ground state very quickly, […]

    Reply

Have something to add? Leave a comment!