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.

Although fading over time, appropriately thick applicated larger markings remain visible for dark adapted human eyes for the whole night.

Super-LumiNova is based on LumiNova branded pigments, invented in 1993 by the Nemoto staff members Yoshihiko Murayama, Nobuyoshi Takeuchi, Yasumitsu Aoki and Takashi Matsuzawa as a safe replacement for radium-based luminous paints.

Maximal light emission around wavelengths of 555 nm (green) is important for obtaining optimal photopic vision using the eye cone cells for observation in – or just coming from – well-lit conditions.

Maximal light emission around wavelengths of 498 nm (cyan) is important for obtaining optimal scotopic vision using the eye rod cells for observation in low-light conditions.

The only thing that needs to be avoided is prolonged contact with water or high humidity, as this creates a hydroxide layer that negatively affects the light emission intensity.

Over that, the ultraviolet light starts getting problems to effectively reach and activate the bottom of the deposited pigment, diminishing the returns for additional application thickness.

This forces RC Tritec AG to offer many solvent and non-solvent based binder systems to maximally concentrate the granulated pigments in the mixture for application on various surfaces.

According to RC Tritec AG these ceramic parts can be made in any customer desired shape and result in a higher light emission brightness when compared to the common application methods.

This means the intensity of the tritium-powered light source will slowly fade, generally becoming too dim to be useful for dark adapted human eyes after 20 to 30 years.