radioluminescence

thumb|right|300px|Radioluminescent tritium vial used as a light source. It consists of a sealed glass tube containing radioactive tritium gas, whose inner surfaces are coated with a [[phosphor.]]

Radioluminescence (or scintillation) is the phenomenon by which light is produced in a material by bombardment with ionizing radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Radioluminescence is used as a low level light source for night illumination of instruments or signage. Radioluminescent paint is occasionally used for clock hands and instrument dials, enabling them to be read in the dark. Radioluminescence is also sometimes seen around high-power radiation sources, such as nuclear reactors and radioisotopes.