Fluorescence facts for kids

Endothelial cells under the microscope with three separate channels marking specific cellular components

Fluorescence is the light given off by certain substances when it absorbs light or other electromagnetic radiation. First the substance absorbs the energy, then it emits light. When the light source is removed, the fluorescence stops occurring. It is a form of luminescence.

In most cases, the light given off has a longer wavelength and lower energy than the absorbed light.

One of the most surprising types of fluorescence is when a substance absorbs ultraviolet light that cannot be seen by the human eye, but gives off visible light.

Fluorescence is used in many fields such as mineralogy, gemology, chemical sensors (fluorescence spectroscopy), dyes, biological detectors, and fluorescent lights.

Fluorescence in the life sciences is a way of tracking biological molecules. A protein or other component can have a fluorescent dye attached to it, which allows a scientist to visually find the specific protein with a microscope.

Images for kids

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  Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet.

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  Fluorescent marine organisms

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  Fluorescent clothes used in black light theater production, Prague

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  Lignum nephriticum cup made from the wood of the narra tree (Pterocarpus indicus), and a flask containing its fluorescent solution

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  Fluorescent security strip in a US twenty dollar bill under UV light

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  Fluorescent coral

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  Fluorescence has multiple origins in the tree of life. This diagram displays the origins within actinopterygians (ray finned fish).

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  Fluorescent marine fish

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  Aequoria victoria, biofluorescent jellyfish known for GFP

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  Fluorescent polka-dot tree frog under UV-light

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  Fluorescing scorpion

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  Fluorescence of aragonite

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  Fluorescent paint and plastic lit by UV-A lamps (blacklight). Paintings by Beo Beyond.

See also

In Spanish: Fluorescencia para niños