LuminEscence < Openloop

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general term applied to all forms of cool light, i.e., light emitted by <br>
sources other than a hot, incandescent body, such as a black body <br>
 radiator. Luminescence is caused by the movement of electrons <br>
within a substance from more energetic states to less energetic states. <br>
There are many types of luminescence, including chemiluminescence, <br>
produced by certain chemical reactions, chiefly oxidations, at low <br>
temperatures; electroluminescence, produced by electric discharges, <br>
which may appear when silk or fur is stroked or when adhesive surfaces <br>
are separated; and triboluminescence, produced by rubbing or crushing <br>
crystals. Bioluminescence is luminescence produced by living organisms <br>
and is thought to be a type of chemiluminescence. The luminescence <br>
observed in the sea is produced by living organisms, many of them <br>
microscopic, that collect at the surface. Other examples of <br>
bioluminescence include glowworms, fireflies, and various fungi <br>
and bacteria found on rotting wood or decomposing flesh. If the <br>
luminescence is caused by absorption of some form of radiant <br>
energy, such as ultraviolet radiation or X rays (or by some other <br>
form of energy, such as mechanical pressure), and ceases as soon <br>
as (or very shortly after) the radiation causing it ceases, then it is <br>
known as fluorescence. If the luminescence continues after the <br>
radiation causing it has stopped, then it is known as phosphorescence. <br>
The term phosphorescence is often incorrectly considered synonymous <br>
 with luminescence.

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   * BioLuminescence
   * ChemiLuminescence
   * ElectroLuminescence

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-- Main.RachelWingfield - 09 Dec 2003

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Openloop.LuminEscencer1.5 - 13 Oct 2004 - 16:32 - Main.rachel

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