What is UV lamp?

[wooden_reefer]

Are UV lamps for this hobby just normal output fluorescent lamp without coating?

Is there any thing inside that generates shorter wavelength rays that other normal output fluorescent lamp?

 

[mcgyvr]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet
see "artificial sources"

 

[wooden_reefer]

I guess it really is the same except when the glass is quartz the 254 nm UVC rays are allowed out to a greater extent. So UV bulb is normal output flurescent with quartz glass.

It does not sound to me that the wave length is much affected by the running temperature of the bulb.

A UV bulb runs hotter if the UV unit has a quartz sleeve, but may be higher bulb running temperature is not the reason why a unit with quartz sleeve seems to be more effective.

Or may be a bulb just gives more total output when the running temp is higher.

 

[Ted_C]

its the gas inside the bulb that drives the wavelength. these are closer to the same functionality as a metal halide - not a fluorescent.

 

[wooden_reefer]

its the gas inside the bulb that drives the wavelength. these are closer to the same functionality as a metal halide - not a fluorescent.

The article says it is the mercury vapor that decides the wavelength, if I understand it correctly. It seems that it is similar to normal output fluorescent, just with quartz glass and without coating.

 

[wooden_reefer]

Actually one hint is that the same ballast is used for UV.

 

[Mohsin]

temp is higher. :deadhorse:

 

[Narwhal82]

A UVC lamp is the same as a normal fluorescent lamp with quartz glass. The mercury emission of fluorescent light is 254 nm which is well within the UVC spectrum of light.

A typical fluorescent lamp uses the same design but has phosphors coating the inner layer of glass which alter the 254nm wavelength into visible light (400-700nm).

The purpose of a quartz sleeve is to prevent the lamp from becoming cooled by the water so it can operate at a more efficient operating temperature. It also prevents film buildup (calcium scale mainly) from forming on the lamp.

Andy