emissiven

Emissiven is a term used in some scientific and speculative contexts to describe a material's propensity to emit electromagnetic radiation when stimulated. It can be used as a generalization of emissivity or as a broader measure of radiative output across wavelengths.

Definition and scope: Emissiven refers to the efficiency or extent with which input energy is converted into emitted radiation. In this sense it encompasses thermal emission described by emissivity as well as non-thermal emission such as electroluminescence, fluorescence, and scintillation. It is typically treated as a dimensionless coefficient ranging from 0 to 1, where 1 indicates that all input energy is converted into emitted radiation under the specified conditions.

Measurement and interpretation: Emissiven can be quantified by the ratio of emitted radiant power to input energy. In luminescent materials, related metrics include quantum yield (photons emitted per photon absorbed) and radiant efficiency. The precise definition of emissiven, including spectral dependence and excitation conditions, can vary between disciplines, and there is no single universally accepted standard.

Applications and examples: The concept is relevant to the design of light-emitting devices, phosphors, scintillators, and other systems that convert input energy into light. It is also used in theoretical discussions of radiative efficiency in new materials and nanostructures.

Etymology and usage: Emissiven appears as a neologism formed from the verb emit plus a suffix reminiscent of qualitative adjectives. It is not a widely standardized term and is encountered mainly in specific technical discussions or in speculative literature.

See also: emissivity, luminescence, quantum yield, electroluminescence, radiative efficiency.