Mechanoluminescence
Mechanoluminescence is light emission resulting from any mechanical action on a solid.
- Fractoluminescence is caused by stress that results in the formation of fractures, that in turn yield light.
- Piezoluminescence is caused by pressure that results in elastic deformation and large polarization from the piezoelectric effect.[1]
- Triboluminescence is nominally caused by rubbing, but sometimes occurs because of resulting fractoluminescence. It is often used as a synonym.[2]
Mechanoluminescence can be produced through various means, such as ultrasound (e.g., causing crystals suspended in slurries to collide with one another and shatter).[3] The related phenomenon of sonoluminescence differs in that it pertains to liquids.
See also
- List of light sources – Devices and processes that produce light
References
- ^ "IUPAC Gold Book: Piezoluminescence".
- ^ "IUPAC Gold Book: Triboluminescence".
- ^ University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign (10 Nov 2006). "Ultrasound Generates Intense Mechanoluminescence". ScienceDaily.com. ScienceDaily. Retrieved 19 Jan 2026.