From Lifesaver Sparks to Life-saving Tech: The Science of Triboluminescence

Triboluminescence is the emission of light from crystals under stress, first documented with sugar. It occurs in many crystals, with variations in light color based on surrounding gases. The phenomenon is complex, involving electron movement and crystal asymmetry. Despite challenges in understanding it fully, triboluminescence has potential applications in medicine, engineering, and technology, such as probes for medical imaging and materials that indicate wear.

What challenges do scientists face in understanding triboluminescence, particularly in relation to impurities in crystals?

Describe potential applications of triboluminescence in technology and medicine.