On the Excitation Spectrum of Polystyrene in the Vacuum Ultraviolet

Abstract

The over-all fluorescence yield of polystyrene has been investigated as a function of excitation wavelength in the region 2850–584 Å. Polystyrene dissolved in cyclohexane and solid samples of polystyrene after various modes of treatment (machining, pressure, polishing, etc.) as well as thin films were investigated. In all cases a strong dependence of the quantum yield on excitation wavelength has been found. The behavior of polystyrene in solution is basically different from that of the solid plastic. For the solid two types of behavior have been found, depending on the preparation of the sample. The results indicate the decisive influence of the state of aggregation on the luminescent behavior for excitation of the higher electronic levels.