Phosphorverluste

Phosphorverluste, a German term roughly translating to "phosphor losses" or "phosphor degradation," refers to the gradual decline in the luminous efficiency of phosphors. Phosphors are luminescent materials used in various lighting technologies, most notably in fluorescent lamps and LEDs, to convert ultraviolet or blue light into visible light. Over time and with continued use, these phosphor materials can undergo chemical and physical changes that reduce their ability to emit light efficiently.

Several factors contribute to phosphorverluste. One primary cause is photochemical degradation, where the phosphor material absorbs energy from the excitation source and undergoes irreversible chemical reactions. This can lead to the formation of non-luminescent species or alterations in the crystal structure, diminishing the light output. Thermal stress is another significant factor. High operating temperatures can accelerate degradation processes within the phosphor. Additionally, the interaction of the phosphor with other components in the lighting device, such as mercury vapor in fluorescent lamps or encapsulation materials in LEDs, can also lead to a breakdown of the phosphor over extended periods.

The consequence of phosphorverluste is a reduction in the brightness and color quality of the light produced by the device. This means that over its lifespan, a lamp or LED will become dimmer, and its color rendering properties may also shift. This phenomenon necessitates the eventual replacement of lighting fixtures to maintain desired illumination levels and aesthetic qualities. The rate of phosphorverluste is a critical parameter in determining the operational lifespan and economic viability of lighting technologies.