Solarization

Solarization

:"See also Solarisation for the photographic effect."

Solarization refers to a phenomenon in physics where a material undergoes a temporary change in color after being subjected to high energy electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light or X-rays. Clear glass and many plastics will turn amber, green or other colors when subjected to X-radiation, and glass may turn blue after long term solar exposure in the desert. It is believed that solarization is caused by the formation of internal defects, called color centers, which selectively absorb portions of the visible light spectrum. Solarization may also permanently degrade a material's physical or mechanical properties, and is one of the mechanisms involved in the breakdown of plastics within the environment.

The term "solarization" is also used to describe sterilisation of soil or plant material by cooking the material in a plastic bag. In this case the sun's radiation is converted to heat by absorption, heating the material above 60 C, which kills off most harmful pathogens. The UV in the light may also have a germicidal effect on the surface material.


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  • Solarization — So lar*i*za tion, n. (Photog.) Injury of a photographic picture caused by exposing it for too long a time to the sun s light in the camera; burning; excessive insolation. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • solarization — soliarizacija statusas T sritis chemija apibrėžtis Ilgai šviesos veikiamo negatyvinio fotografinio atvaizdo virtimas pozityviniu. atitikmenys: angl. solarization rus. соляризация …   Chemijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

  • solarization — soliarizacija statusas T sritis informatika apibrėžtis Šviesių paveikslo vietų pakeitimas invertuotomis spalvomis. Metodas naudojamas fotografijoje ir iš ten atėjęs į grafikos programas. Jose būna keli soliarizacijos variantai. Be to, galima… …   Enciklopedinis kompiuterijos žodynas

  • solarization — noun Date: 1853 1. a reversal of gradation in a photographic image obtained by intense or continued exposure 2. an act or process of solarizing …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • solarization — See solarize. * * * …   Universalium

  • solarization — noun Whole or partial reversal of tone in a negative or photographic print, such that dark areas appear light or vice versa …   Wiktionary

  • solarization — n. overexposure of a negative to the effects of the sun (Photography); exposure to the sun …   English contemporary dictionary

  • solarization — so·lar·iza·tion …   English syllables

  • solarization — TV Electronic special effect distorting a video image s original colors, emphasizing some and de emphasizing others for a paint brush effect. [See DVE] …   Audio and video glossary

  • solarization — noun exposure to the rays of the sun • Syn: ↑solarisation • Derivationally related forms: ↑solarise (for: ↑solarisation), ↑solarize • Hypernyms: ↑exposure …   Useful english dictionary

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