Collection: 254nm Bandpass Filter
254nm light, also known as deep UV light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Here are its key characteristics:
Wavelength:
- 254 nanometers (nm)
- This places it in the deep UV region, which is shorter than the wavelengths of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Energy:
- High energy due to its short wavelength.
- This high energy is what allows it to effectively inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA.
Penetration:
- Limited penetration through most materials, including glass.
- This can be both a benefit and a drawback:
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Source for 254nm light
There are two primary methods to obtain 254nm light:
1. Mercury Vapor Lamps:
These lamps contain mercury vapor, which emits light at various wavelengths when excited by an electrical current.
Specific types of mercury vapor lamps, such as low-pressure germicidal lamps, are designed to emit a significant portion of their light at 254nm.
These lamps are widely used for disinfection applications due to their efficiency in producing 254nm light.
2. Excimer Lasers:
Excimer lasers are pulsed lasers that use a mixture of gases to produce coherent light at specific wavelengths.
By using a mixture of gases containing krypton fluoride (KrF), excimer lasers can generate 248nm light, which is close to the desired 254nm wavelength.
Excimer lasers are used in various applications, including microfabrication and photolithography, where high-intensity, monochromatic light is required.
Important Note: While both methods can produce 254nm light, the specific choice depends on the intended application. Mercury vapor lamps are generally more affordable and suitable for large-scale disinfection purposes, while excimer lasers are more precise and powerful for applications requiring high-energy, monochromatic light. -