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. When activated with a suitable dopant (Europium and Dysprosium), it acts as a photoluminescent phosphor with long persistence of phosphorescence. This technology offers up to ten times higher brightness than previous zinc sulfide–based materials.
These types of phosphorescent pigments, often called lume, operate like a rechargeable light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight, fluorescent, LED, UV (blacklight), incandescent and other light sources, they glow in the dark for hours. Electrons within the pigment are being "excited" by ultraviolet light exposure—the excitation wavelengths for strontium aluminate range from 200 to 450 nm electromagnetic radiation—to a higher energetic state and after the excitation source is removed, fall back to their normal energetic state by releasing the energy loss as visible light over a period of time. Although fading over time, appropriately thick applicated larger markings remain visible for dark adapted human eyes for the whole night. This Ultraviolet light exposure induced activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again.