Fluorecerende

Fluorecerende is a term that describes a phenomenon where certain substances absorb light at one wavelength and then re-emit it at a longer wavelength, typically in the visible spectrum. This process results in the emission of light, making the substance appear to glow. The absorbed light is usually in the ultraviolet or blue end of the spectrum, and the emitted light is often in the green, yellow, or red regions. The efficiency of this re-emission is known as fluorescence quantum yield.

This property is found in a wide variety of materials, including minerals, organic compounds, and synthetic dyes. For example, the mineral fluorite exhibits fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which is how it got its name. Many biological molecules, such as chlorophyll and certain proteins, are also fluorescent. In practical applications, fluorescence is utilized in numerous fields. Fluorescent dyes are used as tracers in biological and medical research, allowing scientists to visualize specific molecules or structures within cells. They are also employed in security features on currency and documents, as well as in fluorescent lamps and markers. The rapid emission of light, as opposed to the slower phosphorescence, is a key characteristic that distinguishes fluorescence.