Candoluminescence

Candoluminescence is the (archaic) term used to describe the light given off by certain materials which have been heated to incandescence and emit light at shorter wavelengths than would be expected for a typical blackbody radiator. The phenomenon is noted in certain transition metal and rare earth metal oxide materials (ceramics) such as zinc oxide and cerium oxide or thorium dioxide, where some of the light from incandescence causes fluorescence of the material. The cause may also be due to direct thermal excitation of metal ions in the material. Candoluminescence may also sometimes be used informally to describe any material heated to incandescence specifically by a flame. The most common example of candoluminescence can be found in the glowing cerium/thorium (ratio of ~1:99) oxide mesh of a kerosene lamp mantle or gas mantle.

See also

• Incandescent light bulb
• Blackbody
• Fluorescence