Super-LumiNova is a brand name under which strontium aluminate based non-radioactive and non-toxic photoluminescent or afterglow pigments for illuminating markings on watch dials, hands and bezels, etc. in the dark are marketed. This technology offers up to 10 times better brightness than previous zinc sulphide based materials.
Besides for timepieces Super-LumiNova is also marketed for application on:
This type of phosphorescent pigments, often called lume, operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again, and the material does not suffer any practical aging. Strontium aluminate based pigments have to be protected against contact with water or moisture, since this degrades the light emitting quality.[1][2][3]
LumiNova pigments in the dark
Tritium based devices called "gaseous tritium light source" (GTLS), that are an alternative for afterglow pigments, have the advantage of being self-powered and producing a consistent luminosity that does not fade during the night. However they are radioactive.