Bright State Molecule (VIDEO) University of Vermont This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Caption When the rotor molecules are in a thick solution, their capacity to vibrate is limited and so they emit light before they are done vibrating, as shown here. This is called the "bright state." This is because the paddle-shaped part of the rotor must rotate freely in order to turn on the chemical pathway that allows it to give off heat energy -- but this rotation is suppressed in a thick solution. The thicker the solution, the less the molecular paddles rotate, the more light can be emitted. Credit Morgan Cousins and Matt Liptak Usage Restrictions with coverage of associated story License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.