Ultraviolet (UV) lamps emit electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 10 nanometers (nm) and 400 nm, which is below the visible light spectrum. UV lamps have industrial uses in sterilization, geology, polymer and adhesive curing, and laboratory research and analysis, including biological analysis. UV lamps often use fluorescent sources, short-wave, and gas-discharge lamps.

Types of UV Lamps

UV lamps emit UV light as one of three subtypes: UV-C, from 100 nm to 280 nm; UV-B, from 280 nm to 315 nm; and UV-A, from 315 nm to 400 nm.

Black Light

This type emits longwave UVA output comprised of small amounts of visible radiation. Fluorescent black lights contain phosphors on their inner tube surfaces, which emit UVA energy instead of visible light. Some employ Wood's glass optical filters to block nearly all wavelengths more than 400 nm. Mercury-vapor mechanisms with envelopes of Wood's glass and a phosphor coating are common in concerts and theatrical productions.

Shortwave

Products of this class comprise fluorescent tubes without phosphor coatings. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the energy supplied by these lamps occurs at 253.7 nm. Fused-quartz glass tubes allow the passage of 253.7 nm radiation while blocking light occurring at the 185 nm wavelength. The lamps possess two or three times as much power as typical fluorescent units. Analogous germicidal bulbs disinfect surfaces, such as in food processing, laboratory, and water treatment applications.

Gas-Discharge

These contain multiple gasses and produce UV output at precise spectral lines for scientific purposes. Argon and deuterium arc bulbs serve as stable sources. Some lamps, such as magnesium fluoride types, incorporate windows. They operate as sources in UV spectroscopy chemical analysis applications. Excimer lamps have seen recent growing acceptance in scientific usages. The units supply increased intensity and efficiency over numerous wavelength bands in the vacuum ultraviolet.

Ultraviolet LEDs

LEDs operating in the ultraviolet range are deployed in curing applications as well as in digital print activities. Inert curing environments rely on similar elements as well.

Operation

Industrial UV luminaires emit UV electromagnetic radiation on demand. They are common in manufacturing and scientific environments, as well as some commercial applications.

These lamps are typically modeled for certain applications, such as mercury vapor equipment, curing systems, medical uses, or theatrical lighting. For example, a UV light that cures an adhesive on a PCB or other electronic device is usually rather small with a focused emission, whereas a black light used for a stage show illuminates a large area and imposes ambiance.

Most UV lamps provide a narrow range of the UV wavelength, with fine resolutions for scientific uses. Manufacturers often find process and efficiency improvements when deploying UV lamps in place of heat- or moisture-cure adhesives and coatings.

Applications

UV lamps serve a broad scope of applications, including:

Forensics

UV sources aid in analyzing evidence in criminal investigations. DNA samples are located using this technology. UV devices also detect counterfeit currency and authenticate artworks and collectibles.

Sanitary Functions

UV elements indicate contaminations on healthcare equipment. It detects organic substances left behind on surfaces when performing general cleaning activities. The hospitality industry relies on handheld lamps for the inspection of bedding to determine when mattress replacement or restoration is necessary, and to monitor the performance of cleaning staff.

Chemistry

Chemical structures are subject to analysis via UV spectroscopy. The light is engaged in biological research to quantify proteins or nucleic acids. They support the analysis of minerals and gems. UV lamps can be used to detect oil sheens on water, as well as sulfur compound and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Curing

Adhesives, polymers, and inks can be quickly cured and made uniform with UV exposure.

Air Purification

Organic-based compounds that contaminate air are destroyed when exposed to intense UV occurring at 240 nm to 280 nm. Gaseous impurities such as carbon monoxide are also reduced through exposure to this radiation.

Disinfection and Sterilization

The items sterilize workspaces as well as tools involved in biological laboratories and healthcare facilities. The devices are employed in disinfection processes for wastewater treatment and water purification. They are involved in food treatment to eradicate microorganisms.

Herpetology

UVB light is required for reptiles to synthesize vitamin D that is vital for metabolizing calcium. Reptiles possess the ability to see UVA wavelengths and fluorescent bulbs are placed in reptile enclosures. The same bulb provides heat for basking.

In addition to the ones mentioned above, other areas include:

• Aircraft
• Boats
• Recreational vehicles
• Water wells
• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Farms
• Ranches
• Aquariums
• Hotels
• Schools
• Breweries
• Wineries
• Bottling facilities
• Dairy processing
• Lubricants
• Pharmaceutical production
• Animal husbandry
• Pathology labs
• Cosmetics
• Electronic production
• Pond and lake reclamation

• Office air treatment

• Ship ballast water

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