Super-LumiNova
Encyclopedia
Strontium aluminate
Strontium aluminate is a solid odorless, nonflammable, pale yellow powder, heavier than water. It is chemically and biologically inert. When activated with a suitable dopant , it acts as a photoluminescent phosphor with long persistence of phosphorescence...
based non-radioactive and non-toxic photoluminescent
Photoluminescence
Photoluminescence is a process in which a substance absorbs photons and then re-radiates photons. Quantum mechanically, this can be described as an excitation to a higher energy state and then a return to a lower energy state accompanied by the emission of a photon...
or afterglow pigments for illuminating markings on watch
Watch
A watch is a small timepiece, typically worn either on the wrist or attached on a chain and carried in a pocket, with wristwatches being the most common type of watch used today. They evolved in the 17th century from spring powered clocks, which appeared in the 15th century. The first watches were...
dials, hands and bezels, etc. in the dark are marketed. This technology offers up to 10 times better brightness than previous zinc sulphide based materials.
Besides for timepieces Super-LumiNova is also marketed for application on:
- Instruments: scales, dials, markings, indicators etc.
- Scales: engravings, silkscreen-printing
- Aviation instruments and markings
- Jewellery
- Safety- and emergency-panels, signs, markings
- Aiming posts and
- Various other parts
This type of phosphorescent
Phosphorescence
Phosphorescence is a specific type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The slower time scales of the re-emission are associated with "forbidden" energy state transitions in quantum...
pigments, often called lume
Lume
Lume is a short term for the luminous phosphorescent glowing solution applied on watch dials. There are some people who "relume" watches, or replace faded lume...
, operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again, and the material does not suffer any practical aging. Strontium aluminate based pigments have to be protected against contact with water or moisture, since this degrades the light emitting quality.
LumiNova pigments in the dark