Answer to Question #298901 in Optics for Chemistry

Question

The materials called phosphors that coat the inside of a fluorescent lamp convert ultraviolet radiation (from the mercury-vapor discharge inside the tube) into visible light. Could one also make a phosphor that converts visible light to ultraviolet? Explain.

Answer 1

Solution:

It is difficult to convert visible light into ultraviolet light as its required energy is very less and sometimes it is less than the work function of the material used which does not support to produce the required electric current while it is too easy to convert ultraviolet light to visible light just because of shortest wavelengths.