glowblue

Glowblue is a term used to describe a blue luminescent emission observed in a variety of materials and technologies. It is not a single substance but a label applied to blue glow produced by fluorescence, phosphorescence, or electroluminescence under excitation by light.

In inorganic phosphors, glowblue may arise from doped host lattices using lanthanide activators or transition metal ions; organic dyes or quantum dots can also emit blue light. The exact emission color depends on the material's composition and the energy gap of the emitter.

Common applications include safety signage, decorative inks, textiles with UV-reactive dyes, watch faces and other novelty items; in lighting, blue glow can be produced by blue LEDs or by phosphor conversion. Some glowblue materials are persistent phosphors that glow after the light source is removed; others are purely fluorescent and emit only while illuminated. Performance factors include brightness, emission spectrum, decay time, and stability to light exposure and environmental conditions.

See also: luminescence, phosphor, fluorescence, phosphorescence, blue LED. Note: the term glowblue is used variably across industries, and there is no universal chemical standard.