Background The Essence of Fluorescence Methodology Fluorescence is a form of luminescence. Luminescence Initially neither of us had a very good idea of what is light that does not come from a heat source. In the Hudson Rigby Brock Reagh fluorescence was or how it happened, except that case of fluorescence, its source of energy comes from we knew it was a form of light. We began our excited photons, generally caused by ultra violet light. Objective research by learning the basics of what it was by The energy taken in is transferred to a much cooler Our purpose for this project is to learn about and explore simple google searches. To further our looking light through reactions discussed below. We the concept of fluorescence and then be able to teach understanding on the topic of fluorescence, we can see this light in many parts of life today such as what we have learned to others. researched various credible websites and gained minerals and many living organisms. It was first more information in the aspect of the "essence of observed in 1560 by Bernardino de Sahagun. And then fluorescence“. We also looked back on some notes better explained in 1852 by George Gabriel Stokes. we took in class on light and waves and put them to use as well. Then, to get a more visual How it happens representation of what happened we watched some Generally molecules that fluoresce are conjugated videos and then started making our poster. We systems, meaning molecules are linked together finished by looking into finding different examples allowing electrons to move between that we could show for our presentation. them. Fluorescence occurs when an atom or molecules relaxes to its ground state after being Bringing light to some questions electrically excited by ultraviolet light. This relaxing is How come the light re-emitted is at a lower more of a crash and it releases energy as both visible This shows the electromagnetic spectrum. Humans see wavelengths that are in wavelength than the original wave? light and heat. And it is in this crash that we get the the middle of the spectrum, Fluorescence occurs when shorter wavelengths on -The wavelength is lowered because energy is lost cool colors. The specific frequencies of excitation and the left absorb energy and are emitted to longer wavelengths to the right are when the photon is excited and returning to ground emission are dependent on the molecule or atom emitted. state, this is called a stokes shift. being excited. In simple terms, an object takes in What happens to the particles after they are ultraviolet light, it gets excited, and then releases light doing fluorescing? at lower wavelengths. -Particles will return to their ground state and no longer emit or gain energy once the source of ultra violet light is removed. In the case of phosphorescence this is greatly delayed. How can we see fluorescence easier? -a black light, which is just an ultraviolet lamp, can be used to bring out vibrant colors on many objects just by putting it over the object. -they also make pens that shine UV light onto This portrays jelly fish displaying their "vibrant", naturally objects. occurring bioluminescence in their deep sea, dark habitat. Why do some objects fluoresce and others don’t? -It is all in the structure of the objects molecules and In this image we can see a visual representation Bioluminescence if the electrons are able to absorb photons and of what happens when a photon gets excited. It This is the light that is emitted by animals and insects such as fireflies and move around between different molecules to goes up to the excited state and as it goes back deep sea fishes. It makes them appear as if they are vibrant colors in dark release a new photon of energy. to ground state it releases light. areas. It is a form of chemiluminescence the light that is produced after a chemical reaction has occurred. Differing from fluorescence and Other applications of Fluorescence phosphorescence because it doesn’t require ultraviolet light. Major use in microbiology, can see many tiny cell Fluorescence in our world creatures that fluoresce. TV’s now days use Fluorescence can be found almost anywhere. A fluorescence to make image quality better. Forensics common application of this effect is in nearly every use fluorescence to see what our eyes cannot. Some household around the world: fluorescent lights. An road signs use fluorescent materials to be seen from electric current passes through an elongated bulb, further distances. Many medicines are tracked with colliding with mercury atoms. The collision process fluorescent proteins to see how they work excites the mercury atoms, which then emit Ultra- throughout the body. Diamonds that fluoresce are Violet (UV) light. If you have a light bulb you have sold at a lower price. And a really common use of fluorescence fluorescence is just using it for cool pictures or to just look at.

Image shows dinoflagellates glowing at night in ocean water waves Conclusion We have learned that while fluorescence is a very Phosphorescence cool part of life, it is not necessary. Fluorescence, This is very similar to Fluorescence. Them main difference between the two along with other forms of Luminescence, can be is the amount of time the light takes to re-emit after being excited and then very useful for improving our lives and making them the amount of time it continues emitting light after the source is removed. It easier. However it is not essential for life. We have often takes a couple minutes to fully re emit light and then the emission can also learned that it is much more common than just last up to several hours long. Anything that is glow in the dark uses highlighters and lightbulbs. Essentially, the essence phosphorescence. A really good example of this is in sea plankton that are of fluorescence is a unique and cool part of life. near the surface at night which make the ocean seem to glow even after the sun has been down for a few hours.