UV stands for Ultraviolet, which means light that has a shorter wavelength than
that of violet, which is the last wavelength of light on the visible color spectrum.
UV light is shorter in wavelength than violet colored, visible light, but is
longer than x-rays. UV light is emitted by the sun, and by various man made devices that make use
of Ultraviolet light for many different reasons.
Some of these have practical uses, and some are made just for fun. It is well
known that many substances will glow under a “blacklight”, which shows the chemical reactivity of
UV light. This is a chemical reaction set off by the radiation emitted from the blacklight.
UV light is used in many different fields of technology, especially in the fields of optics,
light, and lasers. UV light can be found in LEDs, Ultraviolet lasers, gas-discharge lamps, blacklights, and various
other devices.
UV technology is employed in fluorescent lamps, for security systems, in the field of forensics,
in astronomy, for hunting, in spectrophotometry, in air purification, for analyzing minerals, pest control, and as
previously discussed for UV nail lamps. The
benefits that UV light has had for mankind runs up a very long list.
There are many advantages and disadvantages of UV rays for humans. For example, UV light can be
a source of vitamin D, as exposure to the light can cause the vitamin to “soak” into the skin. However, too much
exposure to ultraviolet radiation can result in damaging effects, like sunburn or sun sickness.
Some of the more interesting uses of UV light include its ability to make otherwise illegible
papyruses readable, its ability to detect fire, and it’s ability to disinfect drinking water. UV light is still
being researched, and new uses are being found for it almost every day.