Talk:Photoluminescence

Difference between this and photoexcitation?

"This is one of many forms of luminescence (light emission) and is distinguished by photoexcitation (excitation by photons), hence the prefix photo-." They both have the prefix photo, indicating photons. They both involve absorption of photons by electrons. The only difference I see stated here is that photoluminesence is followed by re-emission of a photon. However, due to finite excited lifetimes, it will be re-emitted in both cases. Thus I do not see a distinction between the two. Zylorian (talk) 18:20, 19 April 2010 (UTC)

Actually, just realized that the distinction comes from where the energy goes afterwards. One example is that of photodiodes where the excited electrons spend their energy elsewhere, e.g. charging a battery; that would be photoexcitation. In photoluminesence, at least some of the energy specifically goes towards photon(s). Zylorian (talk) 18:32, 19 April 2010 (UTC)