Ultraviolet (UV) lamps emit wavelengths of light that are not visible to the human eye but still have many useful applications. Used extensively in laboratories, hospitals and industrial settings, UV lamps are also becoming increasingly common in residential and commercial spaces.
What are UV Lamps?
Ultraviolet light refers to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. UV lamps produce UV light specifically within the UV-A, UV-B or UV-C range through the excitation of gases or molecules inside the lamp. Different types of UV lamps are designed to emit light primarily in one of these specific wavelength ranges based on their intended application.
UV-A Lamps
Wavelengths between 315-400nm. Commonly used for fluorescent lamps and blacklights. UV-A is the longest wavelength band classified as ultraviolet but is still energetic enough to cause chemical reactions and activate dyes/pigments that glow under blacklight. Some key uses of UV-A lamps include:
- Art/forensics – Used to detect evidence not visible to the naked eye like bodily fluids, gunshot residue or fingerprints through fluorescence.
- Tanning/phototherapy – Capable of stimulating vitamin D production in skin without burning. UV-A lamps are safer than UV-B for tanning purposes but still pose long-term health risks with overexposure.
- Indoor/outdoor lighting – UV-A is incorporated into some fluorescent tube lights, security lights and specialty lamps to enhance visibility or allow objects to glow. Effective for stage/party lighting.
UV-B Lamps
UV Lamps Wavelengths between 280-315nm. Considered higher energy than UV-A. Strict controls on power output are needed due to increased ability to burn skin/eyes. Main uses include:
- Dermatology treatments – Narrowband UV-B is a common therapy for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema that respond to controlled UV exposure. Intense but brief sessions are required.
- Tanning – While less popular now due to risks, some tanning beds still contain UV-B lamps which can tan skin more quickly than UV-A alone. Permanent skin damage is a long term effect.
- Plant growth – Low doses of UV-B help stimulate production of strengthening compounds in plants like fruits/vegetables. Applied in horticulture.
UV-C Lamps
Shortest wavelengths between 100-280nm. Highly filtered or contained lamps needed due to ability to damage DNA/RNA of living cells. Effectively "burns" through microbes. Key uses:
- Sterilization – Widely employed in labs, hospitals and food processing for disinfecting surfaces and killing dangerous bacteria/viruses that cause illness. A proven method to sanitize indoor air and treated surfaces.
- Water treatment – Municipal water treatment facilities and some home/office units now utilize low-pressure UV-C lamps suspended in water pipes to destroy microbes that cause contamination. An environmentally friendly alternative to chorine.
Additional Lamp Types
Beyond the A/B/C classifications, other UV lamp varieties have been created:
- Excimer lamps – Generate far or vacuum UV specifically using excimer molecules like krypton chloride (KrCl). Very short 172nm wavelength is ideal for lithography processes in chip manufacturing.
- Mercury-vapor lamps – Common low/medium pressure mercury vapor discharge lamps output UV, visible and infrared wavelengths determined by the bulb contents. Wide spectral range makes them useful for growing/curing applications. Can require additional filtering.
- LED lamps – Newer solid-state UV LEDs are changing the lighting industry and becoming viable alternatives to mercury lamps. Longer lifespan, instant on/off and more controllable output spectra give LEDs advantages for emerging UV applications.
Health and Safety Considerations
When handled properly and enclosed effectively, UV lamps present minimal risks. However, overexposure to unprotected skin and eyes can cause damage ranging from minor sunburn to more serious conditions like melanoma. Proper personal protective equipment like gloves, eye wear and fully covered clothing is required for all maintenance and operation near unfiltered UV output. Ventilation should also be ensured in enclosed areas. While very useful in moderation, UV lamps must always be treated with respect for their ability to negatively impact living tissues. With care taken and applications controlled, the many benefits of UV irradiation can be harnessed safely.
Get More Insights on UV Lamps
The global UV LED Lamps Market report for the forecast period of 2018 – 2023 is a key insight into the UV LED Lamps Market across various parameters.
The solid research on the UV LED Lamps Market is prepared with the aim to meet the requirements of the customer in terms of the availability of data, analytics, statistics, and an accurate forecast of the UV LED Lamps Market.The research has been conducted keeping a base year as reference to identity the UV LED Lamps Market trends and hence accurately project the forecast of the UV LED Lamps Market.Ask for Sample Copy of Report @ http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2109856Key questions answered by this report include:Worldwide and Regional Market Size of UV LED Lamps 2013-2017, and development forecast 2018-2023Main manufacturers/suppliers of UV LED Lamps worldwide, with company and product introduction, position in the UV LED Lamps marketMarket status and development trend of UV LED Lamps by types and applicationsCost and profit status of UV LED Lamps, and marketing statusMarket growth drivers and challengesThe global UV LED Lamps Market report covers the overview of the market which provides the customer detailed information about the UV LED Lamps Market such as the different types of products, the applications of the products and their performance in the market.
This can help the customer relate to the market and gain requisite insights into the UV LED Lamps Market for better understanding and planning.The report further covers the various drivers, challenges, and trends in the global market as well as in the regional markets.
It is necessary to understand all the drivers and restraints one might face in the market to plan the growth campaign effectively and realize substantial benefits.
Furthermore, the region which is recording the fastest growth rate is also covered.The regions covered in the UV LED Lamps Market report include:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanRest APACLatin AmericaBy types, the UV LED Lamps Market is segmented into the following:UVAUVBUVCBy Applications, the UV LED Lamps Market is segmented into the following:UV CuringMedical PhototherapySterilizationOthersMake an Enquiry @ http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2109856The type with the fastest growth rate for the forecast period and the type holding the highest market share are mentioned in the report along with a detailed analysis of each type in the global UV LED Lamps Market report.
With the intense competition present in the UV LED Lamps Market, the customer should be well informed of the competition and what is to be faced ahead.Some of the key players covered in the UV LED Lamps Market report include:PhilipsLGHonle GroupNordson CorporationSemiLEDs CorporationHalma PlcHeraeus Holding GmbHCrystal IS Inc.Seoul ViosysNichia CorporationApart from this, the report also covers the rest of the UV LED Lamps Market analysis such as market analysis, downstream customers, consumption, sales, price, and gross margin.
