luminesce

Luminesce refers to the emission of light by a substance not produced by heat. The term, from Latin lumen meaning light and -escence meaning to become, designates a broad class of phenomena in which light is produced at relatively low temperatures. Luminescence encompasses several distinct processes in physics, chemistry, and biology.

The main forms include fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, triboluminescence, and electroluminescence. In fluorescence, a material absorbs energy and re-emits it as light while the energy source is present; emission stops quickly after excitation ends. Phosphorescence involves longer-lived emission due to different electronic transitions, so light can persist after excitation. Chemiluminescence arises from a chemical reaction that produces light without requiring significant heat. Bioluminescence is the natural light emission of living organisms, such as fireflies, produced by enzymatic reactions. Triboluminescence occurs from mechanical action, like scratching or rubbing. Electroluminescence results when electrical energy stimulates light, as in LEDs and OLEDs.

Applications span lighting, displays, signage, and scientific imaging. In commercial contexts, luminesce is also used as a brand or product name, for example in the skincare industry under the name Luminesce.

See also: luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, electroluminescence.