atomic fluorescence

Atomic fluorescence is the emission of light by atoms that have absorbed energy, causing their electrons to jump to a higher energy level. When these electrons return to their original, lower energy state, they release the absorbed energy as light almost instantaneously, within about 10^-8 seconds. This process is distinct from phosphorescence, which continues to emit light after the excitation source is removed.1

Atomic fluorescence spectrometry is a technique used in spectrochemical analysis. It measures the intensity of light emitted by atoms that have been excited by absorbing shorter-wavelength light. This method, along with atomic absorption spectrometry, is useful for determining the elemental composition of substances. Fluorescence is also utilized in various applications, such as making fabrics appear whiter and in analyzing minerals.213