Term: radiative lifetime, τ 0
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05064

Definition:
Lifetime of an excited molecular entity in the absence of radiationless transitions. The reciprocal of the first-order rate constant for the radiative step, or the reciprocal of the sum of these rate constants if there is more than one such step. The equivalent term, natural lifetime, is discouraged.

Notes:
0) Approximate expressions exist relating τ 0 to the @O04339@ of the emitting transition.
1) The subscript 0 is used in this definition, whereas the superscript 0 is used to indicate a non-quenched @L03515-2@ in the Stern-Volmer kinetic relationships.

Related Terms:
1) oscillator strength (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04339).
2) lifetime (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.L03515-2).
3) lifetime (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.L03515-1).
4) rate constant (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04322).

Source: PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 411 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)

Citation: 'radiative lifetime, τ 0' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05064

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