Luminiszcencia

Luminiszcencia is a broad term encompassing various phenomena where matter emits light without being heated to incandescence. This emission occurs when a substance absorbs energy, causing its electrons to move to higher energy levels. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the excess energy in the form of photons, which we perceive as light. The emitted light can span a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared.

Different types of luminiszcencia are distinguished by the source of the excitation energy. Photoluminescence, for example, is triggered by the absorption of photons, as seen in fluorescent lamps or glow-in-the-dark materials. When mechanical energy is applied, such as grinding or fracturing, the phenomenon is known as triboluminescence. Chemiluminescence arises from chemical reactions, with common examples including glow sticks and the light produced by fireflies (bioluminescence, a subset of chemiluminescence).

Electroluminescence is generated by passing an electric current through a material, a principle utilized in LEDs and OLED displays. Thermoluminescence is observed when a previously irradiated material emits light upon heating, often used in dating archaeological artifacts. Each form of luminiszcencia has unique properties and applications, contributing to diverse fields like lighting, medical imaging, and material science. The intensity and color of the emitted light depend on the specific material and the excitation process involved.