Fluorescence vs. Luminescence

Fluorescencenoun

(physics) The emission of light (or other electromagnetic radiation) by a material when stimulated by the absorption of radiation or of a subatomic particle.

Fluorescencenoun

The light so emitted.

Fluorescencenoun

A luminescence emitted by certain substances due to the absorption of radiation at one wavelength, and the almost instantaneous re-emission of radiation at another, usually longer wavelength. The re-radiation stops almost as soon as the incident radiation is halted, thus distinguishing this phenomenon from phosphorescence, in which re-radiation of light may continue for some time after the incident radiation is halted.

Fluorescencenoun

light emitted during absorption of radiation of some other (invisible) wavelength

Fluorescence

Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence.

Luminescencenoun

(physics) Any emission of light that cannot be attributed merely to the temperature of the emitting body.

Luminescencenoun

Any emission of light not ascribable directly to incandescence, and therefore occurring at low temperatures, as in phosphorescence and fluorescence or other luminous radiation resulting from vital processes, chemical action, friction, solution, or the influence of light or of ultraviolet or cathode rays, etc.

Luminescencenoun

The faculty or power of producing light by biological processes, as in the firefly and glowworm. Also called bioluminescence.

Luminescencenoun

light not due to incandescence; occurs at low temperatures

Luminescencenoun

light from nonthermal sources

Luminescence

Luminescence is spontaneous emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat; or . It is thus a form of cold-body radiation.