Language
Country/Area
No result found
Magical photoelectric conversion: The luminescence principle of Super-LumiNova is so simple yet amazing!
If you like watches, you may be familiar with Super-LumiNova. This is a non-radioactive, non-toxic photoluminescent pigment based on zirconate saw, commonly found on watch scales, hands and outer rings, and can continue to glow in the dark. The beauty of Super-LumiNova lies in its simple yet efficient luminescence principle, which has attracted many time collectors.
"This technology provides up to ten times the brightness of previous zinc sulfide-based materials."
The basic principle of Super-LumiNova is to use excited electrons to produce visible light. When these pigments are activated under a UV light source (such as sunlight, LED or black light), the electrons inside are “excited” to a higher energy state. When the excitation source is removed, the electrons return to their normal energy state, releasing energy and gradually emitting light in the form of visible light, a process that can last for several hours.
History of Super-LumiNova
Super-LumiNova is derived from LumiNova pigments developed by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. in 1993, which was innovated by a group of professional researchers to replace luminous paints based on radioactive materials such as germanium. The technology was patented in 1994 and is licensed by many watch brands and manufacturers. Over time, Nemoto & Co. founded LumiNova AG, a joint venture with RC Tritec AG in Switzerland in 1998, to focus on the production of Super-LumiNova post-luminescent pigments.
Color Variations and Levels
With the development of technology, Super-LumiNova not only launched luminous pigments in various colors, but also graded them into different levels, mainly including standard, A and X1. There is not much difference in the initial brightness of these three levels, but there are significant differences in the light intensity decay during use. The X1 level has the slowest decay rate, which allows it to continue to emit light for a longer time.
"The maximum light emission at 555 nm (green) is best suited for viewing in bright light environments."
As for colors, the most famous is probably C3 green and its slight yellow tint, but the bluish-green BGW9 variant is equally popular, with a luminous efficacy close to that of the classic green version. These different colors are not only a technical requirement, but also make the watch or product more eye-catching in terms of art.
Use and Application
In addition to being widely used in watches, Super-LumiNova is also used in instruments, aviation instruments, jewelry, emergency signs, etc. This material is favored for its long-lasting luminous properties. For example, on an aircraft control panel, Super-LumiNova-illuminated indicators are particularly important at night, providing critical operating information.
Application Methods
Super-LumiNova comes in particle form and is usually applied by hand coating, screen printing or pressure printing. RC Tritec AG recommends an application thickness of approximately 0.30 mm and multiple coats may be required. Too thick a coating will affect the transmission of UV light, thus reducing the luminous effect.
“These ceramic parts can be produced in any shape the customer desires and surpass common application methods in brightness.”
Another innovative technology is Lumicast, a three-dimensional casting of highly concentrated Super-LumiNova that provides an intense luminous effect and can be shaped to suit the user’s needs.
Stability and service life
The photoluminescent properties of Super-LumiNova can theoretically be retained indefinitely, so the light intensity decreases very slowly. The higher the color depth of the pigment, the faster the light intensity will decrease; and it can withstand hundreds of degrees of heat without affecting its performance.
However, long-term exposure to water and high humidity must be avoided, as this can create a hydroxide layer that negatively affects its luminescence intensity.
The evolution of radioactive alternatives
Over time, radioactive materials such as barium and tritium were gradually replaced by safer alternatives during the 20th century. While tritium still exists in some products, Super-LumiNova has become the mainstream choice due to its safety.
As a new alternative, tritium gas luminescence sources (GTLS) have been developed. These devices have a very high brightness persistence, but they will gradually decrease over time. Although GTLS is self-generated, it still has the disadvantage of radioactive materials.
As technology advances, Super-LumiNova represents a safer, more environmentally friendly luminescence technology, opening up new possibilities for watches and other applications.
Against this backdrop, will continued technological innovation allow us to see more applications based on this technology in our daily lives in the future?
