chemiluminescence (original) (raw)

Author: the photonics expert (RP)

Definition: luminescence arising from chemical reactions

Category: article belongs to category physical foundations physical foundations

Related: luminescence

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DOI: 10.61835/ftd Cite the article: BibTex BibLaTex plain textHTML Link to this page! LinkedIn

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What is Chemiluminescence?

Chemiluminescence is a luminescence which arises from exothermic chemical reactions. Such a reaction can produce certain molecules in excited electronic states, which subsequently decay to the ground state (or other lower-lying states) with emission of photons (→ luminescence). However, the quantum efficiency for light emission is in many cases small.

The phrase “light without heat” is not literally correct, since the heat generated normally takes away most of the energy provided by the chemical reaction, even if for a slow reaction the heat power is too small to cause a significant temperature rise. However, the light emission is not a consequence of heating, and in that sense chemiluminescence produces “cold light”.

Chemiluminescence is applied in lightsticks, as are contained in disaster kits.

If chemiluminescence occurs in living organisms, it is called bioluminescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chemiluminescence?

Chemiluminescence is the emission of light resulting from an exothermic chemical reaction. The reaction creates molecules in an excited electronic state, which then release photons as they return to a lower energy state.

Does chemiluminescence produce heat?

Yes, the underlying chemical reaction is exothermic and releases heat. However, the light is not thermal radiation, so it is often called 'cold light', especially when the reaction is slow and causes no significant temperature rise.

Bioluminescence is a specific type of chemiluminescence that occurs in living organisms.

What is a common application of chemiluminescence?

A common application is in lightsticks, which are often found in disaster kits. They generate light through a controlled chemical reaction inside the stick.

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