What is Fluorescent Color?
Fluorescent colors are exceptionally bright and bold because they absorb and reflect more light than conventional colors. They often appear to emit light, especially under blacklights. This is due to their ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, invisible to the human eye, and then re-emit it as visible light. This process, known as fluorescence, results in colors that are significantly more vibrant than those achieved with standard pigments or dyes. Some people use the term "neon" interchangeably with fluorescent, although not all neon colors are fluorescent.
- Absorption of UV Light: Fluorescent colors absorb energy from ultraviolet radiation.
- Conversion to Visible Light: They then convert this absorbed energy into visible light within the visible spectrum (400-700 nm).
- Increased Brightness: This conversion process leads to a significant increase in brightness compared to non-fluorescent colors. DayGlo Color Corp's products, for instance, are up to three times brighter than conventional colors.
- Wider Spectrum Use: Fluorescent colors utilize a larger portion of both the visible spectrum and lower wavelengths (like UV) than conventional colors.
Examples of Fluorescent Colors in Use
Fluorescent colors find application across many mediums:
- Plastics: Creating brightly colored plastic items.
- Graphic Arts: Used in posters, prints, and other designs.
- Paints: Available in paints for various artistic and industrial applications.
- Security Applications: Invisible fluorescent pigments and dyes are employed in security inks and marking, only visible under specific light sources.
Distinguishing Fluorescent from Conventional Colors
The key difference lies in the way they interact with light. Conventional colors simply reflect the light they receive, while fluorescent colors absorb and re-emit light, resulting in the enhanced brightness.
