Wikipedia
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. in the dark are marketed. This technology offers up to ten times higher brightness than previous zinc sulfide–based materials.
Super-LumiNova is based on LumiNova pigments, invented in 1993 by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. of Japan as a safe replacement for radium-based luminous paints. Nemoto & Co. was founded in December 1941 as a luminous paint processing company and has supplied paint with watch and clock industry for over 70 years.
Besides for timepieces Super-LumiNova is also marketed for application on:
- Instruments: scales, dials, markings, indicators etc.
- Scales: engravings, silkscreen-printing
- Aviation instruments and markings
- Jewelry
- Safety- and emergency-panels, signs, markings
- Aiming posts
- Various other parts
This type of phosphorescent pigments, often called lume, operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again, and the material does not suffer any practical aging. Strontium aluminate–based pigments have to be protected against contact with water or moisture, since this degrades the light emitting quality.