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physical phenomenon > luminescence

Preferred term

luminescence  

Definition

  • Luminescence is the "spontaneous emission of radiation from an electronically or vibrationally excited species not in thermal equilibrium with its environment".  A luminescent object is emitting "cold light", in contrast to "incandescence", where an object only emits light after heating. Generally, the emission of light is due to the movement of electrons between different energy levels within an atom after excitation by external factors. However, the exact mechanism of light emission in vibrationally excited species is unknown. (Adapted from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminescence)

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http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/QX8-CNWQT1Z5-4

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