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Artificial Sources of UV Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV light is invisible to the human eye but its effects are well known. From cancer to sunburn to treatment of depression, UV light has many beneficial and harmful properties. The sun supplies our most natural form of UV light, but several artificial forms can be produced.

  1. Tanning Booths

    • A tanning booth is a device which emits ultraviolet radiation to produce tanned skin. Regular tanning beds use several fluorescent lamps designed to produce UV similar to the sun. Most home tanning booths have 12 to 28 100-watt lamps, while more advanced booths found in tanning salons can have up to 60 100- to 200-watt lamps.

    Black Lights

    • A Black Light, or a UV light, is a lamp that emits electromagnetic radiation in the near ultraviolet range that is only partially visible. Humans see this range by using the low-light receptors in the eye that are most receptive to near UV. Black lights are used for many purposes from decorative lighting to identifying counterfeit money, depending on the wavelength of the light.

    Curing Lamps

    • Curing Lamps produce the required UV light to cure or harden certain types of dyes, adhesives and coatings.

    Germicidal Lamps

    • Germicidal lamps are mercury tubes that produce long, ultraviolet wavelengths that kill microorganisms in the air, on surfaces and in water. Germicidal lamps are used to sterilize work spaces, tools, aquariums and hot tubs.

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