Identification and analyses of phosphorescent materials for use in optical systems and instrumentation

摘要

A number of common building materials and finishes are found to be phosphorescent. To avoid this as a source of stray light, it is suggested that with sensitive low-light level systems, material selection be done judiciously and with cognizance of this phenomenon. Luminous radiance and decay properties for various materials are presented. The common causative ingredient of phosphorescent materials is identified as titanium di-oxide (TiO$-2$/), an increasingly popular and widespread white pigment. Techniques used to discover and check questionable articles are presented.