Long-lifetime phosphorescence and the diffusion process

Abstract

The long-lifetime phosphorescence of certain, easily oxidizable organic compounds in rigid media at the temperature of liquid nitrogen has been found to decay by an inverse power function of the time. Decay kinetics of this type have been observed previously in inorganic phosphors. Employing the diffusion equation and the observed rate law, a distribution function for electrons in the solid media is derived. Data from the experiments are discussed in relation to this theoretical treatment.