BACK TO SYNT GROUP

Phosphorescence is the physical property whereby a material if excited by the correct wavelength of energy produces an afterglow after the excitation source has been removed, normally at a longer wavelength. The persistence or time, intensity and colour of the afterglow will be specific to a particular phosphor and may or may not be visible to the human eye.

It will also be a function of various factors including ambient temperature, the condition of the material and the energy level of excitation. Materials which exhibit a wavelength conversion yet do not display afterglow are described as Fluorescent. The conversion is virtually instantaneous and the effect only persists whilst the excitation source is present.