The constant bombardment by radioactive particles causes the chemical breakdown of many types of phosphor, so radioluminescent paints lose some of their luminosity during their working life. The continuous radioactive decay of the isotope's atoms releases radiation particles which strike the molecules of the phosphor, causing them to emit light. ![]() Radioluminescent paint consists of a mixture of a chemical containing a radioisotope with a radioluminescent chemical ( phosphor). Since radioactivity was discovered around the beginning of the 20th century, the main application of radioluminescence has been in radioluminescent paint, used on watch and compass dials, gunsights, aircraft flight instrument faces, and other instruments, allowing them to be seen in darkness. See also: Luminous paint § Radioluminescent paint Radioluminescent light sources usually consist of a radioactive substance mixed with, or in proximity to, a phosphor. ![]() A chemical that releases light of a particular color when struck by ionizing radiation is called a phosphor. The electron then returns to its ground energy level by emitting the extra energy as a photon of light. The particle usually comes from the radioactive decay of an atom of a radioisotope, an isotope of an element which is radioactive. Radioluminescence occurs when an incoming particle of ionizing radiation collides with an atom or molecule, exciting an orbital electron to a higher energy level. Radioluminescence is also sometimes seen around high-power radiation sources, such as nuclear reactors and radioisotopes. Radioluminescent paint is occasionally used for clock hands and instrument dials, enabling them to be read in the dark. Radioluminescence is used as a low level light source for night illumination of instruments or signage. ![]() Radioluminescence is the phenomenon by which light is produced in a material by bombardment with ionizing radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. It consists of a sealed glass tube containing radioactive tritium gas whose inner surfaces are coated with a phosphor. Light produced in a material by bombardment with ionizing radiation Radioluminescent 1.8- curie (67 GBq) 6-by-0.2-inch (152.4 mm × 5.1 mm) tritium vial used as a light source.
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