Luminescence
Timeline of Luminescence
1401-1600
Records of bioluminescent observations were recorded by explorers, including Christopher Columbus. Records of observations by Columbus include fireflies, luminescence in the sea (Plankton), Centipedes and Glow Worms.
1669
Alchemist Henning Brand accidentally discoveries luminescence when attempting to extract gold from human urine. His attempts produced phosphorus, which glowed green when exposed to the oxygen in the air. This phenomenon was first called "cold light".
December 1833
Charles Darwin observes bioluminescence on his trip around the world. It is believed that his observations were of a form of luminescent plankton, as the phenomenon was seen in the ocean surrounding Darwin's ship. ("Milky Seas")
1888
Eilhard Wiedemann creates the term "Chemiluminescence". Chemi incorporates the fact that chemicals are mixed to cause this reaction, and luminescence describes the emission of light
Unknown-1900
Different phenomena intrigued humans from very early times. Naturally occuring luminescent reactions (ie. glow worms, fireflies) sparked different stories and legends created by the people of ancient years.
1901-1950
E. Newton Harvey performs a great deal of research on the topic of bioluminescence. This spurs further exploration by J. Woodland Hastings, who discovered quorum sensing and Green Fluorescent Protein.
1936
Georges Destriau (an associate of Marie Curie) began studying the process of electroluminescence with the use of ZnS.
1958
Elmer Fridrich develops "Electroluminescent Lamps" while working for General Electric
