What is the Difference Between UV-A and UV-C?

The variety of ultraviolet light is almost equal to that of the visible spectrum's many colors. But when we consider ultraviolet radiation, we frequently overlook this and instead classify it as a group of wavelengths with applications in cleaning, cure, and fluorescence as well as the potential to cause cancer. However, because each type of ultraviolet energy has highly distinct qualities, it is crucial to distinguish between them. The main distinctions between UV-A and UV-C radiation in terms of their usage and applications are covered in this article.

First, look for the wavelength value.

First and foremost, the wavelength should be used to identify ultraviolet energy. The type of ultraviolet radiation is determined by the wavelength, which is expressed in nanometers (nm). While UV-C covers wavelengths from 100 to 280 nanometers, UV-A covers wavelengths between 315 and 400 nanometers. The range of UV-B wavelengths is 280 to 315 nanometers.

Since UV-A and UV-C cannot be distinguished visually from one another in the same manner that humans can visually determine if a light source is red or blue, this can seem counterintuitive. Therefore, it is even more crucial that you are aware of the wavelength of light source that you will require for your specific application and, at the absolute least, that you are familiar with the distinctions between UV-A and UV-C radiation.

Fluorescence & Curing under UV-A

The majority of UV-A lamp applications, which use a wavelength of 365 nanometers, can be classified as fluorescence or curing applications. Fluorescence is a phenomena in which substances like paints, pigments, or minerals change the wavelength of UV-A energy to one of visible light. Blacklights are UV lamps that are utilized for these purposes because they initially appear dark but emit a variety of visible colors when they are shone on different things.

Here is an illustration of a rock that fluoresces green when illuminated by a realUVTM LED flashlight. In many fields, including forensics, medicine, molecular biology, and geology, UV-A fluorescence is extremely useful because it may be used to detect fluorescent elements that would otherwise be difficult to discriminate under normal lighting.

Not just scientific uses are possible with fluorescence. Fluorescence can be employed in fluorescence photography and blacklight art installations to provide a wide range of breathtaking visual effects. UV-A is also used in many entertainment locations, like that blacklight party you may or may not recall, to produce fluorescence effects.

365 nm and 395 nm are the most popular wavelengths for UV-A fluorescence. Both 365 and 395 nm will typically produce fluorescence effects, however 365 nm will do so with a "cleaner" UV effect and less visible light output, whilst 395 nm will produce a tiny amount of visible violet or purple. See our comparison of 365 nm and 395 nm for more details.

In contrast to fluorescence, UV-A is used in curing applications and can also cause chemical and structural changes in a variety of materials. The UV-A wavelengths used for curing are the same, even though curing often requires a much higher UV intensity. 365 nm is a frequently used wavelength for curing, just like for fluorescence.

Epoxies for industrial uses, nail gels, and emulsion paint in screen printing are all curable with UV-A wavelengths. In UV-A curing applications, the total exposure period is a factor in addition to intensity.

Applications of UV-C for Germicidal and Infection Control

UV-C wavelengths, in contrast to UV-A wavelengths, have a much smaller wavelength range (100 nm to 280 nm). Focus has been placed on UV-C wavelengths as an efficient method of inactivating pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi.

Due to the fact that DNA and RNA are vulnerable to damage at and around 265 nanometers, UV-C is a powerful germicidal wavelength. The double bonds that connect thymine and adenine are broken during a process known as dimerization when pathogens are exposed to UV-C wavelength light, changing the genome's structure. The virus can no longer successfully replicate or multiply as a result of this modification, which is caused by genetic corruption.

Because thymine (or uracil in RNA) is sensitive to UV-C at specific wavelengths, UV-C is unique in its capacity to carry out germicidal actions.

Unlike UV-C light, UV-A does not have the potential to start dimerization. Since UV-A cannot target the DNA structures of pathogens, all available evidence suggests that it is a poor choice for disinfection.

Visit our page devoted to UV-C LED technology for further details.

In daylight, UV-A is present while UV-C is not

It's a common misperception that UV energy of all kinds is present in natural daylight. All UV energy wavelengths are present in solar radiation, however only UV-A and some UV-B energy can penetrate through the earth's atmosphere. The ozone layer of the earth, on the other hand, absorbs UV-C, preventing it from reaching the ground.

All ultraviolet energy must be handled with extreme caution since, according to the US HHS, all UV wavelengths, including UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, are thought to be carcinogenic. UV radiation is particularly hazardous because we do not naturally squint or turn our heads away in response to it, as we do with visible light. However, since we are aware that UV-A radiation occurs frequently in natural daylight, there are a lot more studies and population-level studies that help us understand the potential risks and harm that UV-A radiation may bring about.

On the other hand, a typical person is not exposed to UV-C radiation on a daily basis. For particular sectors and occupations, like welding, the majority of studies have been conducted with an eye toward occupational health and safety. As a result, much less research has been done on the dangers and potential damage caused by UV-C. Because of its shorter wavelength from a physics perspective, UV-C has a considerably higher energy level and is known to directly harm DNA molecules. It would be wise to presume that it has a higher potential for harming people than UV-A and UV-B, which are the lesser forms of UV. As a result, extra care should be made to prevent UV-C exposure.
 

280nm UV Light Tube

Features:

● Surface mount high-power device
● Featuring high brightness combined with a compact size
● Suitable for all kinds of lighting applications such as general illumination, flash,spot, signal,industral and commercial lighting.

Specification: