Mechanoluminescence

Mechanoluminescence is light emission resulting from any mechanical action on a solid.

• Fractoluminescence is caused by stress that results in the formation of fractures, that in turn yield light.
• Piezoluminescence is caused by pressure that results in elastic deformation and large polarization from the piezoelectric effect. ^[1]
• Triboluminescence is nominally caused by rubbing, but sometimes occurs because of resulting fractoluminescence. It is often used as a synonym. ^[2]

Mechanoluminescence can be produced through various means, such as ultrasound (e.g., causing crystals suspended in slurries to collide with one another and shatter). ^[3] The related phenomenon of sonoluminescence differs in that it pertains to liquids.

See also

• List of light sources  – Devices and processes that produce light

References

1. "IUPAC Gold Book: Piezoluminescence".
2. "IUPAC Gold Book: Triboluminescence".
3. University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign (10 Nov 2006). "Ultrasound Generates Intense Mechanoluminescence". ScienceDaily.com. ScienceDaily. Retrieved 19 Jan 2026.