Electroluminescence (EL) refers to the phenomenon where light is emitted as a direct result of an applied electric field. Unlike other luminescence mechanisms that rely on chemical reactions or light absorption, electroluminescence is driven solely by the electrical energy itself.
- Energy source: An electric field directly interacts with electrons, exciting them to higher energy levels.
- Electron transitions: Excited electrons return to their ground state, releasing excess energy as light (determining the colour).
- Materials: Certain materials like semiconductors and phosphors are susceptible to electroluminescence under electric fields.