Super-LumiNova

Super-LumiNova is a brand name under which strontium aluminate–based non-radioactive and nontoxic photoluminescent or afterglow pigments for illuminating markings on watch dials, hands and bezels, etc. in the dark are marketed. This technology offers up to ten times higher brightness than previous zinc sulfide–based materials.

Europium doped strontium silicate-aluminate oxide powder under visible light, long-wave UV light, and in total darkness.
Lume applied on a diver's watch to make it readable in low light conditions.
LumiNova pigments in the dark

Super-LumiNova is based on LumiNova pigments, invented in 1993 by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. of Japan as a safe replacement for radium-based luminous paints.[1] Nemoto & Co. was founded in December 1941 as a luminous paint processing company and has supplied paint to the watch and clock industry for over 70 years.

Besides being used in timepieces, Super-LumiNova is also marketed for application on:

  • Instruments: scales, dials, markings, indicators etc.
  • Scales: engravings, silkscreen-printing
  • Aviation instruments and markings
  • Jewelry
  • Safety- and emergency-panels, signs, markings
  • Aiming posts
  • Various other parts

These types of phosphorescent pigments, often called lume, operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again, and the material does not suffer any practical aging. Strontium aluminate–based pigments have to be protected against contact with water or moisture, since this degrades the light emitting quality.[2][3][4]

Alternative for afterglow pigments

Tritium-based devices called "gaseous tritium light source" (GTLS), that are an alternative for afterglow pigments, have the advantage of being self-powered and producing a consistent luminosity that does not fade during the night. However, they are radioactive and have a half-life of slightly over 12 years. This means the intensity of the tritium-powered light source will gradually fade, generally becoming too dim to be useful after 20 to 30 years.

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See also

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-11-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. RC TRITEC Super-LumiNova
  3. Nemoto & Co., Ltd LumiNova Archived 2008-05-17 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Glow in the Dark (Phosphorescent) Technologies


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