phosphor

(noun)

A substance that exhibits the phenomenon of luminescence; often transition metal compounds or rare earth compounds of various types. The most common uses of phosphors are in CRT displays and fluorescent lights.

Related Terms

Examples of phosphor in the following topics:

  • Cathode Ray Tube, TV and Computer Monitors, and the Oscilloscope

    • The images are generated when electrons strike fluorescent phosphors on the screen, which then emit light (the color varies depending on the phosphor used, ).
    • By varying the type of phosphor used, one may vary the wavelength of light emitted by the phosphor when excited.
    • Early computer terminal monitors used only green phosphors.
    • For visual observation of brief transient events, a long persistence phosphor may be desirable.
    • Monochrome monitor - this CRT uses only one type of phosphor.

  • LCDs

    • Unlike the newer cathode ray tube (CRT) and plasma displays, LCDS do not use phosphors.