thermoluminescence

This term describes a specific physical phenomenon where stored energy is released as light upon heating. It is primarily utilized in geochronology and archaeology to date inorganic materials, such as ceramics or burnt flint, by measuring the accumulated radiation dose since the object was last heated to a high temperature.

As a technical scientific term, it is used almost exclusively in academic, laboratory, or forensic contexts. It carries a neutral, descriptive connotation and is distinct from fluorescence or phosphorescence, as it specifically requires a thermal trigger to release the trapped electrons.