electroluminescence

Electroluminescence is a characteristic of a material, typically a semiconductor, that enables it to emit light in response to an electrical current or a strong electrical field.

The process behind electroluminescence is radiative recombination, also known as spontaneous emission. In radiative recombination, phosphorescent substances emit photons (light particles) in response to a small electrical current. Applications of electroluminescence include nightlights and automobile dashboard displays.

Other types of light generation include:

• Incandescence, which occurs as a result of heat. 
• Chemiluminescence, which occurs as a result of a chemical reaction. 
• Sonoluminescence, which occurs as a result of sound. 
• Mechanoluminescencether, which occurs as a result of a mechanical action.