Fluorescence

Fluorescence, emission of electromagnetic radiation, usually visible light, caused by

excitation of atoms in a material, which then reemit almost immediately (within about
−8
10 seconds). The initial excitation is usually caused by absorption of energy from
incident radiation or particles, such as X-rays or electrons. Because reemission occurs so
quickly, the uorescence ceases as soon as the exciting source is removed, unlike
phosphorescence, which persists as an afterglow. A uorescent lightbulb is coated on the
inside with a powder and contains a gas; electricity causes the gas to emit ultraviolet
radiation, which then stimulates the tube coating to emit light. The pixels of a television or
computer screen uoresce when electrons from an electron gun strike them.
Fluorescence is often used to analyze molecules, and the addition of a uorescing agent
with emissions in the blue region of the spectrum to detergents causes fabrics to appear
whiter in sunlight. X-ray uorescence is used to analyze minerals.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch, Associate Editor.