Where Is UV Light on the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
Electromagnetic energy travels in waves and covers a very wide spectrum from short gamma rays to long radio waves, with x-rays, visible light, and UV light in between. Only a small portion of this electromagnetic spectrum is visible light that the human eye can detect. An x-ray machine detects a different portion of the spectrum, and a radio detects yet another portion of this spectrum.
People use electromagnetic energy every day, when they send a text message, watch television, listen to the radio, or use a microwave oven. The world as we know it would not exist without electromagnetic energy.
UV Light and Visible Light
Ultraviolet (UV) light is actually not visible to the human eye, with shorter wavelengths than visible light. Visible light can be seen at wavelengths measuring from about 400 to 700 nm, with 400 nm light being purple or violet in color. UV light is emitted in shorter wavelengths in the range of 100 to 400 nm, closest to the violet color on the visible spectrum, thus is coined beyond violet, or ultraviolet.
UVA, UVB, & UVC
Ultraviolet radiation has many practical uses and provides many benefits to industries and applications to help the human race. Ultraviolet light is further broken down into three categories, UVA, UVB, and UVC light. UVC is the shortest wavelength and, when emitted from the sun, is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, although it is proven to provide powerful germicidal properties.
Scientists and lighting engineers replicate UVC radiation when manufacturing UVC bulbs that provide powerful germicidal properties in many environments, including air disinfection, surface, and water sterilization. UVB lamps are commonly used in many medical phototherapy applications, bringing relief to a wide range of people suffering from skin disorders, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and also helping people with mood disorders and depression. UVA lamps are also useful in medical phototherapy applications and are also the commonly known black light. Black lights do much more than illuminate psychedelic posters, they help crime scene investigators identify organic material and bodily fluids and help prevent fraud with currency validation.
No matter what type of UV light bulbs you require, working with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer is the best way to ensure quality lamps, as not all UV lamps are created equal.
LightSources is recognized as a leading global supplier of UV light bulbs with a wide selection of standard shapes and sizes and custom options available, including UV light tubes, U-shaped lamps, and custom designs. Contact us to learn more about the many UV lamp solutions we provide with high-quality, and high-tech UV lamp engineering.