Optical decay is process of relaxation of excitation of an excited quantum system, usually due to the spontaneous emission of a photon or a phonon. Optical decay is dominant mechanism of quenching of excitation of active optical media. In solid-state lasers the optical decay limits the storage of energy in active medium.
Also, the term optical decay is used to the effect of quick reduction of luminosity of astrophysical objects
Read more about Optical Decay: Phenomenology of Optical Decay, Shape of Specral Line At The Optical Decay of An Idealized Atom, Deformed Vacuum
Famous quotes containing the word optical:
“People who have realized that this is a dream imagine that it is easy to wake up, and are angry with those who continue sleeping, not considering that the whole world that environs them does not permit them to wake. Life proceeds as a series of optical illusions, artificial needs and imaginary sensations.”
—Alexander Herzen (1812–1870)