A Brief History of Fluorescence and Phosphorescence before the Emergence of Quantum Theory

Abstract

Fluorescence and phosphorescence are two forms of photoluminescence used in modern research and in practical applications. The early observations of these phenomena, before the emergence of quantum theory, highlight the investigation into the mechanism of light emission. In contrast to incandescence, photoluminescence does not require high temperatures and does not usually produce noticeable heat. Such a “cold light” was the object of an interesting controversy in the 19th century: does it fit into thermodynamics? The early applications, such as the fluorescent tube, fluorescence analysis, and fluorescent tracers, are described.