What is UV light?
UV or Ultraviolet light is a type of light that has a wavelength shorter than that of light that is visible, far longer than X rays. This means that the wavelength of UV light is between 30 PHz to 750 THz. It is naturally produced by the Sun and can artificially be created by tanning lamps, mercury vapor lamps and black lights, etc. It can cause chemical reactions which can make substances glow, which is one of its main uses.
What is a UV lamp?
A UV lamp is a specially designed lamp that emits UV light, as well as visible light if needed. UV lamps are highly effective and incredibly useful in different sorts of fields, each with its unique way of using UV lamps. It is used by law enforcement, medical, food and nutrition, and even household sectors, depending on how it is being used and at what scale.
Uses of UV lamps
1. Terrarium usage
In terrariums, UV lamps are used to ensure that all plants and animals get the required amount of UV for their growth and proper life. Regular artificial light may not be enough for plants and animal, which is why UV light is so important.
2. Tanning usage
UV light is how people get tans in the first place. In tanning beds, UV lamps are used to give people tans at a much quicker rate.
3. In clubs
These lamps make clothes glow because of some laundry detergents etc. which glow if exposed to UV light. Clubs make use of this specifically for entertaining their customers.
4. To detect forgeries
UV lamps are used to see if bank notes, cheques, or any other documents are real or fake. Forgeries are usually on poor quality paper which glows under UV light.
5. To Kill microbes
Hospitals, clinics, food and drug companies and regular households often use UV lamps of different sizes and capacities to sterilize products and the air and to kill microbes. UV lamps are also used to water purifier system being used.
6. In forensic investigations
To detect the presence of semen, saliva, urine, and especially blood, UV lighting sources are used.
7. Arson detection
Accelerants usually glow in a fluorescent manner if exposed to heat for a longer period, which is why UV light is a great way to expose them. Since they are usually invisible to the naked eye, UV light is a great option.
8. To analyze artwork
Changes on surfaces can easily be detected by UV light because it causes certain kinds of fluorescence, which is dependent on age and composition. Any sort of retouching, over painting or stains can be identified with a UV lamp and correct usage.
There is a plethora of uses for UV lamps, including but not limited to the ones mentioned above. UV light is a great way to accomplish so many things that we are limited by because of our sight etc. UV lamps are the easiest way to use UV light safely and efficiently, which is why investing in them is a suitable and right decision.