Timeframes of Electron Excitation: Phosphorescence Excluded

In summary, phosphorescence is a type of luminescence that occurs when electrons transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, emitting light in the process. It differs from electron excitation, which refers to the process of increasing the energy level of an electron. Timeframes play a role in both processes, as phosphorescence has a longer delay in light emission compared to electron excitation. This delay is caused by a "spin-forbidden transition" in which the electron changes its spin state before emitting light. The excitation energy of an electron in phosphorescence is determined by the electronic structure of the material. Phosphorescence can only occur in materials with specific electronic properties, making them rare and valuable.
  • #1
Charles123
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Excluding the process of Phosphorescence, an electron in an excited state will return directly or with a intermediate step to its grown state (like in a ruby LASER before the stimulated emission, where first absorbs a green photon, drops to an intermediary energy level and then emits a red photon by stimulation). But what determines the time it takes for this to happen?
Thank you
regards
 
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  • #2


I think that time is indeterminate
 

FAQ: Timeframes of Electron Excitation: Phosphorescence Excluded

What is the difference between phosphorescence and electron excitation?

Phosphorescence is a type of luminescence that occurs when electrons transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, emitting light in the process. Electron excitation, on the other hand, refers to the process of increasing the energy level of an electron, often through absorption of energy. Phosphorescence specifically excludes electron excitation as the source of light emission.

How do timeframes play a role in electron excitation and phosphorescence?

Timeframes are important in understanding the processes of electron excitation and phosphorescence because they determine the duration of the light emission. In phosphorescence, the time between electron excitation and light emission can range from milliseconds to hours, whereas in electron excitation, the emission of light is almost instantaneous.

What causes the delay in light emission in phosphorescence?

The delay in light emission in phosphorescence is due to a phenomenon called "spin-forbidden transition." This means that the electron must undergo a change in its spin state in order to emit light, which takes more time compared to a "spin-allowed transition" in which the spin state does not change.

How is the excitation energy of an electron determined in phosphorescence?

The excitation energy of an electron in phosphorescence is determined by the electronic structure of the material. Specifically, the energy difference between the ground state and the excited state of the electron determines the wavelength of light that is emitted.

Can phosphorescence occur in all materials?

No, phosphorescence can only occur in materials that have specific electronic properties, such as a large energy gap between the ground and excited states. This is why phosphorescent materials are often rare and valuable, as they require specific atomic arrangements to exhibit this type of luminescence.

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