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Fluorescence is a physical phenomenon in which a substance absorbs light at a particular wavelength and subsequently emits light at a different, typically longer wavelength. This process occurs when molecules or atoms are excited by incoming photons, elevating their electrons to higher energy states. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the excess energy as visible or ultraviolet light, producing the characteristic glow known as fluorescence.

The concept of fluorescence has widespread applications across scientific, industrial, and artistic fields. In biology and medicine, fluorescent dyes and proteins are used as markers to visualize cellular structures, track molecular interactions, and diagnose diseases. In environmental science, fluorescent tracers help monitor water quality or pollutant spread. The tech industry employs fluorescence in the manufacture of lighting, displays, and security features, such as fluorescent inks and inks used in anti-counterfeiting measures.

Fluorescence differs from phosphorescence in that it involves a rapid emission of light, usually within nanoseconds to microseconds after excitation, and does not involve long-lived excited states. The color and intensity of fluorescence depend on the properties of the emitting molecule and the wavelength of the absorbed light.

The phenomenon was first observed in mineral samples in the 16th century, with scientific understanding developed in the 19th century through the work of scientists like Sir George Gabriel Stokes, who described the shift in emitted light, now known as Stokes shift. Advances in fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy have expanded its utility, allowing detailed analysis of biological samples, materials, and environmental samples.

Overall, fluorescence continues to be a vital tool in research and industry, offering insights into microscopic processes and contributing to technological innovation.