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UV MineralsSW and LW UV lamps

14th Jul 2019 09:25 UTCGustav (Gustav du Toit)

Hi,


I am looking to purchase a handheld UV lamp/torch for my son but not sure which brand to go for. I like the 365nm Nichia light. but will it still work on SW minerals?


Gustav

14th Jul 2019 19:39 UTCRoger Ericksen 🌟

Hi Gustav,

No, 365nm wave length is the definition of long wave uv. Short wave is 254nm. So far led's that emit at 254nm are not available. Currently you have to go with traditional mercury vapor bulbs.

15th Jul 2019 19:44 UTCHiro Inukai

From what I understand after doing my own research into the 254nm wavelength, the bulbs are relatively cheap--it's the filters that block emissions in the visible spectrum that are expensive. These also start to fail (solarize?) after extended exposure to UV.


On a separate but slightly related note, it's kind of fun to test whether sunglasses really do block UV wavelengths. With the abundance of cheap ($10 or less) sunglasses that are sold at pop-up stalls or on the street, I have always wondered whether they really provided adequate UV protection for your eyes. All you need is a UV light source and a brightly fluorescing mineral. In a darkened room, illuminate the mineral with the UV source, then block the beam with the sunglasses, and you should be able to verify that the mineral stops fluorescing entirely. I don't think sunglasses are effective at blocking 254nm UV at the intensity that is emitted by SW UV bulb, though.

15th Jul 2019 20:40 UTCGustav (Gustav du Toit)

Thanks for the feedback guys
 
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