FLUORESCENCES Meaning and
Definition
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Fluorescences, plural noun, refers to the process or phenomenon in which a substance emits visible light while being stimulated by electromagnetic radiation. It is the emission of light that occurs almost instantaneously once the substance absorbs the radiation and then re-emits it as lower energy photons.
Fluorescences are typically observed in certain materials or substances that possess fluorescent properties, which means they have the ability to absorb photons of a specific wavelength and subsequently emit these photons at a different, longer wavelength. This emitted light is often characterized by its vibrant and intense colors, such as greens, yellows, reds, or blues.
Fluorescences are commonly utilized in various scientific, industrial, and commercial applications. They are extensively employed in fields like microscopy, where fluorescent dyes are often used to label and track specific molecules or structures within biological samples. In addition, fluorescent materials have found applications in security features, such as invisible inks or anti-counterfeiting measures. Fluorescent pigments are used in paints, textiles, and cosmetics to create distinctive and striking visual effects.
It is worth noting that the phenomenon of fluorescence should not be confused with phosphorescence, which refers to a similar process of light emission, but with a delayed decay of the excited state, allowing for longer-lasting glow-in-the-dark effects after the source of excitation has been removed.
Etymology of FLUORESCENCES
The word "fluorescences" is derived from the noun "fluorescence". The noun "fluorescence" comes from the verb "fluoresce", which is a combination of the Latin words "fluere" meaning "to flow" and "escere" meaning "to become". The term "fluorescence" was first introduced by the English scientist Sir George Stokes in the mid-19th century, who used it to describe the emission of light by certain substances when they are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light. Over time, the term "fluorescence" expanded to refer to the property of emitting visible light, and the plural form "fluorescences" refers to multiple instances or occurrences of fluorescence.
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