Looking for Specific 365nm UV Light

[NeoTiger]

Hi,

I need some help here, I've been trying to find a UV light for a specialised application.

I'm working with fluorescent polymers and want to find a UV light source that is around 350-370nm (but not 360nm exactly) since the polymer has excitation peaks at those wavelengths. I also don't want the light to emit significant light above 385nm, and definitely no light above 400nm. Also would be preferable for the light to have a tight focussed beam, as opposed to one of those multiple LED torches.

I've been having a look around but can't find any good sources to buy this sort of light... was wondering if someone around here would be able to help me.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Xe54]

Hi,

I need some help here, I've been trying to find a UV light for a specialised application.

I'm working with fluorescent polymers and want to find a UV light source that is around 350-370nm (but not 360nm exactly) since the polymer has excitation peaks at those wavelengths. I also don't want the light to emit significant light above 385nm, and definitely no light above 400nm. Also would be preferable for the light to have a tight focussed beam, as opposed to one of those multiple LED torches.

I've been having a look around but can't find any good sources to buy this sort of light... was wondering if someone around here would be able to help me.

Thanks a lot!

The best things you are likely to come up that are not a very expensive laser are 365nm filtered mercury lamps or fluorescent tubes (longwave commercial "blacklight" UV sources), or NCSU033A:

http://www.nichia.com/product/led-lamp-uv.html

Also, these folks make 360nm LEDs:

http://www.thefoxgroupinc.com

If you have a scientific budget then consider a mercury-xenon short arc lamp, with a bandpass filter to pass only the 350-370nm range. If you don't need such a high quality source, then the cheaper low pressure discharge tubes mentioned. The LEDs are an intermediate option, but would require you to have access to and pay for electronics design and fabrication expertise.

 

[DM51]

It might be worth taking a look at this thread - Peak announced at one point that they were going to make some laboratory-quality UV lights. I don't know what happened about this. The thread seems fairly dormant, so I think you would need to call them, rather than just post there.

 

[Leef]

This seems to be the best wavelength to look at scorpions.

 

[FrogsInWinter]

How about 370nm? The Photon UV LED keychain lights are rated at 370nm:

http://www.batteryjunction.com/phimiulviled.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/phfrmiulfm.html

 

[Tubor]

Sounds like a "black light" fluorescent tube would be good for you as that uses a special coating to filter out most of the wavelengths above 360nm and below 350nm. Maybe use a larger one for more intensity.
​

 

[Ginseng]

This seems to be the best wavelength to look at scorpions.

And cigar box labels.

Wilkey

 

[NeoTiger]

Ok, thanks for all the responses.

So it looks like my best options are either the Nichia 365nm LED, or go with a traditional fluorescent tube with filters. I was thinking in the LED direction because I was hoping it would be a simple flashlight that I could just put batteries in, turn on, and not worry about anything else.

Any ideas if I could get the Nichia 365nm in a commercial flashlight product?

Thanks again.

 

[Icebreak]

CPF member Xenopus has this site.

It's a little fumblesome to navigate because he has a lot of information to categorize. I've still not made a purchase from him but when I do I'll probably give him a call and see what he might recommend in a set price range. Xenopus knows UV.

 

[tvodrd]

Those Nichias are almost $100 as I recall from ordering 3 for a project at work. They will sell the UV ones in less than full reel quantities. The Sandwich Shoppe can build you a flashlight around one- heck, Wayne might have one laying around. He has the driver electronics, reflectors, and body components usually in stock. I have an Aleph light with the 365 nM high power LED and it will cure UV-curing epoxy!

Larry

 

[etc]

btt

 

[fxstsb]

streamlight has a tri mode that will do that.