Photoluminescence

Photoluminescence is a property of a material to absorb, store and convert photons to light. Photoluminescent materials have important applications in radiology.

Types

Fluorescence is the instantaneous emission of light following photon absorption. It typically occurs within 10 seconds.

Examples of fluorescence include intensifying screens in screen-film radiography.

Phosphorescence is the delayed emission of light following photon absorption. It typically occurs beyond 10 seconds.

Examples of phosphorescence include photostimulated luminescence (PSL) in computed radiography, and thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in radiation dose monitoring.