Luminescence

Luminescence is spontaneous emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat; or 'cold light'. Luminescence is spontaneous emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat; or 'cold light'. it is thus a form of cold-body radiation. It can be caused by chemical reactions, electrical energy, subatomic motions or stress on a crystal. This distinguishes luminescence from incandescence, which is light emitted by a substance as a result of heating. Historically, radioactivity was thought of as a form of 'radio-luminescence', although it is today considered to be separate since it involves more than electromagnetic radiation. The dials, hands, scales, and signs of aviation and navigational instruments and markings are often coated with luminescent materials in a process known as 'luminising'.