Technical Resources

This page provides links and information that we have found useful in providing the products and services we offer.

• About UV-C
• UV-C Kill Rates Table

About UV-C

Ultra Violet (UV) light is a naturally occurring and has a shorter wavelength than visible light. The UV spectrum is divided into A, B, C components. UV-A light tans the skin while the shorter wavelength UV-B and UV-C light are dangerous for biological materials. UV-C is the part from the UV spectrum with the shortest wavelength. All bacteria and virus have their DNA destroyed in a UV-C filter system.

UV light is used in fluorescent inspection processes to make working life easier for quality control engineers, forensic scientists, fire officers and auction houses to name but a few. Under UV black light hairline cracks can be detected in aircraft structures, automotive steering systems and many other critical components.

In the field of forensics UV black light help unearth vital evidence at crime scenes and plays an important role in identifying the causes of fires. UV blacklights are used as a means of revealing imperfections and evidences of restoration in art works, an important aspect of authentication for valuation and sale.

The special effects industry uses UV to produce stunning visual effects as if by magic. Festival tented environments use UV responsive drapes, pop concerts use multi image 'trompe l'oeil' backdrops illuminated by UV and night clubs use UV blacklights to make white clothes glow in the dark.

Microbiologists are employing UV-C germicidal lamps within engineering control measures to reduce infection caused by airborne transmission of bacterial pathogens within closed environments. In addition, some of the water we drink has been sterilized using UV-C light, as well as a wide variety of food, drinks and medical supplies packaging.

In recent years UV light curing of materials has emerged as perhaps the most exciting and versatile material technology. These single component, solvent-free material systems cure almost instantaneously on exposure to UV light with efficient use of energy. They offer unrivaled and unique process advantages in times of stringent legislation changes restricting the use of many solvents. UV-A, UV-B and UV-C light sources are employed depending upon the type of material to be processed, IE: adhesives, resins, coatings or inks.

Wavelengths
Ultra Violet is subdivided into three distinct wavelengths in increasing order of photon energy.

• UV-A 400nm-315nm: Often referred to as 'black light', this is the longest wavelength region and lowest energy; it represents the largest portion of natural UV light.
• UV-B 315nm-280nm: Partially blocked by the ozone layer this is the most aggressive component of natural UV light and largely responsible for sunburn (erythema).
• UV-C 280nm-100nm: Only generally encountered from artificial light sources since it is totally absorbed by the earth's atmosphere.

UV-C Kill Rates Table

Some Micro-Organisms Killed by Bio Sweeper Germicidal Light Indicated Dosage is UV-C (at 253.7 Nanometers) necessary to inhibit colony formation in a minimum of 99.9% of Micro-Organisms (measured in microwatts per square centimeter). Time is maximum needed using each instrument.