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A Fantastic Journey of Luminescent Materials: What are the Secrets of Phosphorescence and Fluorescence?
Phosphorescent and fluorescent lamps are everywhere in our daily lives, but their operating principles are hidden from our sight. These mysterious materials rely not only on the process of energy release, but also on the movement of electrons within the crystal structure. This article will give you an in-depth understanding of the composition, types, and applications of these luminescent materials.
Basic concepts of phosphorescence and fluorescence
Phosphorescent materials refer to substances that can emit light under the influence of radiant energy. These materials can be divided into two categories: fluorescent and phosphorescent. Fluorescent materials immediately release the absorbed energy and quickly stop emitting light after the light source is turned off; while phosphorescent materials continue to emit light after the light source is turned off, and the attenuation of their light lasts from milliseconds to days.
Radiant energy excites electrons in the material to a higher energy state, and when these electrons return to their original state, light is released.
In-depth analysis of the luminescence process
In inorganic materials, the "blinking" process is caused by the band structure of electrons. When a particle enters a material, it excites electrons that move from the valence band to the conduction or exciton band. The generation and subsequent release of excitons leads to significant light release. Often, dopants added to these materials alter the luminescence properties.
The presence of the activator affects the wavelength of the light emitted as well as its duration, allowing the creation of different colors of light according to demand.
Types of phosphorescent materials
The basic components of phosphorescent materials include matrix materials and activators. The most famous one is zinc sulfide (ZnS), and its activators can be divided into copper and silver. With the advancement of science and technology, the development of new phosphorescent materials such as barium magnesium aluminum (BaMgAl) has achieved longer luminescence persistence.
In these materials, the choice of activator is also crucial because it directly affects the luminous efficiency and characteristics of the material.
Different fabrication processes, such as sol-gel methods and post-heat treatment, also have a significant impact on the performance of phosphorescent materials.
Application of phosphorescent materials
Lighting equipment
Phosphorescent materials are widely used in lighting equipment, such as fluorescent lamps and LED lamps. These materials can adjust the luminous color according to design requirements, providing higher efficiency and stability compared to traditional lighting technology.
Electronic devices
In televisions and computer monitors, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) use phosphorescent materials to create images. This technology dominated for a long time in the 20th century until the rise of liquid crystal display technology.
Special purpose products
For example, phosphorescent materials in luminous toys, or special light source applications, such as in aviation instruments and medical imaging equipment, use fluorescent materials to enhance visibility and ease of use.
The decline and challenges of phosphorescent materials
Many phosphorescent materials gradually fail over time due to a variety of factors. For example, moisture in the environment, chemical reactions, and oxidation of the activator may all lead to a reduction in light emission efficiency. Recently, technology companies are working to develop more recession-resistant materials to meet growing market demand.
The research and development of persistent light sources makes us full of expectations for future lighting technology, which may completely change the way we live.
Future Outlook
In the future, phosphorescent and fluorescent technologies are expected to further develop, whether in lighting, display technology or other innovative applications. Scientists are still looking for new ways to improve the performance of luminescent materials, such as using nanotechnology to finely adjust the material structure to obtain better luminescent properties.
The development of phosphorescent and fluorescent materials not only involves science, but also reflects human beings' pursuit of aesthetics and practicality. What new technologies do you think will emerge in the future to change the way we illuminate and display?
