How do photoluminescent tapes glow

Glow in the dark is a beloved phenomenon that appeals to kids and adults alike and adds a little extra magic to toys and room decorations (think stars in the dark), but what exactly is glow in the dark and how does it work?

Here is the content list:

1. Why do photoluminescent tapes use strontium aluminate phosphors?

2. Did you know that photoluminescent tapes need to be "recharged"?

3. Why is the luminous effect of photoluminescent tapes dependent on human perception?

1. Why do photoluminescent tapes use strontium aluminate phosphors?

Photoluminescent tapes carry inorganic phosphors that absorb visible and ultraviolet wavelengths of light and then re-emit visible light or "glow". Most photoluminescent tapes use zinc sulfide or the newer strontium aluminate phosphors to produce a brighter glow over a longer period. Strontium aluminate lasts much longer (glow time) than zinc sulfide, so high-quality photoluminescent tapes will use this phosphor rather than the latter.

The brightness of the glow in the dark will diminish over time. Typically, after charging and during the first half-hour, the light released will be brighter as the atoms are excited, and as the atoms calm down, the light will start to slowly dim.

Photoluminescent tapes using zinc sulfide can emit light for half an hour, while photoluminescent tapes using strontium aluminate can emit light for up to 12 hours.

2. Did you know that photoluminescent tapes need to be "recharged"?

Remember, phosphors need to absorb light to glow again, and some light is better absorbed than others. UV light works best and takes the fastest time to recharge.

The approximate recharge time for photoluminescent tapes is as follows:

3-4 minutes of ultraviolet (black) light

7-8 minutes of direct sunlight

21-23 minutes of fluorescent light (strip lighting or CFL bulbs)

24-26 minutes for incandescent (standard filament bulbs)

3. Why is the luminous effect of photoluminescent tapes dependent on human perception?

How well your eyes adapt to darkness will affect the brightness of the light your eyes perceive. The more your eyes adapt to darkness, the brighter the light you see. The more your eyes adapt to darkness, the brighter the glow will appear.

The surrounding light affects the luminescence of photoluminescent tapes because the light attracts your eyes and diverts them from the darkness. Photoluminescent tapes are best viewed in complete darkness because the eyes can adapt and perceive a brighter glow. Ever wonder why things that glow in the dark are green? This is because the human eye is most sensitive to green light, so green photoluminescent tapes look brighter. This is also why night vision goggles usually tint things green.

So before you get creative with your photoluminescent tapes, consider how much ambient light will be around the item. Remember that even moonlight or streetlights coming in through a window are considered ambient light and will prevent your eyes from fully adapting to the dark. Also, you'll want to consider how best to achieve maximum charge. That's why you need to choose top-quality photoluminescent tapes. I think products from Wenzhou Xiangying Reflective Material Science＆Technology Co., Ltd. is a good choice.