Fluorescence exploration lab

This website is dedicated to creating and learning about the phenomenon of fluorescence and luminescence. Fluorescence is the light given off by certain substances when it absorbs light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is the emission of electromagnetic radiation, usually visible light, caused by excitation of atoms in a material, which then reemit almost immediately. This is used in multiple different areas of ranging from laundry detergent, scientific imaging, medical surgeries, and as a display by plants and animals. Here we will explain what fluorescence is all about and show some fun experiments that can be done at home with a few accessories.


tonic water
Hover your cursor onto the image to see the fluorescence of tonic water!
Under a normal light, tonic water is transparent. When exposed to a blacklight the tonic water glows bright blue. This glow is fluorescence!