PHYSICS OF LIGHT PRODUCTION 1-21

Table 1-7. Color Characteristics of Several Inorganic Phosphors

PEAK OF
MATERIAL ACTIVATOR
FLUORES-
CENT BAND
(micron)
COLOR OF
FLUORESCENCE
Zinc silicate Manganese 0.5280 Green
Zinc beryllium silicate Manganese .5925 Yellow-white
Cadmium borate Manganese .6150 Pink
Cadmium silicate Manganese .5950 Yellow-Pink
Magnesium tungstate None .4820 Bluish-white
Calcium tungstate None .4130 Blue
Calcium tungstate Lead .4420 Blue
Calcium phosphate Cerium .3600
*
Calcium phosphate Thallium .3325
*
Calcium phosphate Cerium and manganese .6500 Red
*
Ultraviolet radiation.
Miscellaneous Forms of Luminescence
The electron excitation which results in the following luminescent
processes is fundamentally the same as that which takes place in a fluores-
cent lamp.
Cathodoluminescence is the phenomenon observed when the screen of a
cathode-ray tube such as that used in a television or radar receiver is bom-
barded with high-voltage electrons.
Figure 1-16 indicates the variation of light output for various conditions
of voltage and current density.
In an experimental television projection tube operating at 30,000 volts,
a brightness of about 10,000 candles per square centime ter has been pro-
duced with a beam intensity of 20 watts on a spot 0.5 square millimeter in
area. It was accompanied by rapid deterioration of the phosphor.
Certain chemical reactions proceeding at room temperature are accom-
panied by the production of light. This is known as chemiluminescence.
The oxidation of phosphorus in air and of pyrogallol in solution are familiar
examples.
A type known as bioluminescence occurs when luciferin, a substance
synthesized by living cells, is oxidized in the presence of molecular oxj^gen
and an enzyme, luciferase.
The phosphorescence of sea water results from the presence of an enor-
mous number of unicellular organisms which secrete luciferin and luciferase
and oxidize when the disturbance of the water excites them.
The firefly exhibits a similar ability.
Triboluminescence is the term applied to light produced by friction or
crushing. The phenomenon may be observed when pressure-adhesive
tapes are unrolled or when lumps of cane sugar are rubbed together in a
dark room.