Photo-luminescence by definition is the emission of light from a molecule or atom that has absorbed electromagnetic energy: examples include fluorescence and phosphorescence materials. Photo-luminescence spectroscopy is a contact-less, nondestructive method of probing the electronic structure of materials.

The photo to the right depicts photo-luminescence materials spread on 7-inch wide roll. This is from a patent pending technology developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory that uses small organic molecule materials to create organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and other electronics. Proof-of-principle of the technique has been demonstrated by successfully coating the small molecule Alq3 on a PET substrate (photo). The method may also be used to produce "patterned" electronic thin-film devices in which an active small molecule organic material is selectively deposited on a substrate to form a pattern appropriate for the operation of the device. Photo: Department of Energy

History of Glow in the Dark
Glow in the dark powders, glow sticks, ropes etc. are all fun examples of photo-luminescence. Phosphorus and its various compounds are phosphorescents, or materials that glow in the dark. Before knowing what phosphorus was, its glowing properties have been reported in ancient writings. The oldest known written observations were made in China, dating back to 1000 B.C. regarding fireflies and glow-worms. In 1602, Vincenzo Casciarolo, discovered the phosphorus glowing "Bolognian Stones" just outside of Bologna that started the first scientific study of photo-luminescence.

Phosphorus was first isolated in 1669 by German physician Hennig Brand. Brand was an alchemist who was attempting to change metals into gold when he isolated phosphorus. All glow in the dark products contain phosphor. To make a glow in the dark toy, toy makers use a phosphor that is energized by normal light and that has a very long persistence - the length of time it glows. Zinc Sulfide and Strontium Aluminate are the two most commonly used phosphors.

Scientists in Taiwan say they have bred three pigs that "glow in the dark".

Well, just slightly radioactive. According to a BBC News report, the world's first ATM was installed in a branch of Barclays in Enfield, North London. At that time plastic atm cards did not exist. The Barclay atm machine took checks that were impregnated with carbon 14, a slightly radioactive substance. To learn about an invention with real radioactivity try the atomic bomb. Photo Credit:  stock.xchng/Andy Culpin

National Inventors Month which used to be held in August is now being held in May. The senate had agreed to the switch after appeals made by Edison Nation and Inventors Digest, supporters and founders of National Inventors Month. August traditionally has been National Inventors Month. The move to May better aligns with the academic calendar, explained Inventors Digest Editor Mike Drummond.

"The move allows more opportunities for youth K-12 to become aware of the vital contributions inventors have made and continue to make to society," Drummond said, "as well as to more broadly celebrate and foster the spirit and practice of innovation."

• National Inventors Month
• National Inventors Month - Poster
• Why We're Moving National Inventors Month

Some times it is the simplest things in life that we take for granted. For example, have you ever wondered just How A Telephone Works?