Fluorescence in geology
Loading...
Date
1968-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Fluorescence is defined as the emission of visible light by a substance under the influence of an exciting agent. Ultraviolet radiation is the most common exciting agent. Fluorescence is explained on the molecular level as an absorption of energy by electrons which subsequently jump to higher energy levels. From this unstable state they lose energy in the form of heat and upon returning to their former energy levels, emit radiation in the form of visible light. However, there are many factors, in the ultraviolet source, in the specimen itself, and in the receptor of the fluorescence, which can effect the intensity and the color of the fluorescence. Fluorescence finds employment in such diverse fields as analysis and prospecting. Color fluorescent photography can be used to permanently record the fluorescent phenomenon but some means of color control must be developed to obtain color-true prints.