4 ms·
>254 nm ... which just happens to be exactly the second spectral line of a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp. Actually 253.7. The other line is 184.5. Are you su
by scythe 4y ago
>254 nm
... which just happens to be exactly the second spectral line of a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp. Actually 253.7. The other line is 184.5. Are you sure that the study you read isn't just reporting this wavelength as ideal because we have a convenient source of it? Efficient far-UV sources tend to be few and far between. It would be an awfully big coincidence if the two major spectral lines of an Hg plasma just happen to be the two ideal wavelengths for disinfection.
FWIW, zinc vapor has a persistent line at 214 nm, but I've never heard of this being applied in a commercial bulb. Other relevant possibilities are all toxic.
- Maursault 4y ago> Are you sure that the study you read isn't just reporting this wavelength as ideal because we have a convenient source of it? Studies, and yes. Mercury vapor's spectral emission is just a happy coincidence and why mercury vapor lamps are used for germicidal applications. The germicidal LED's they make are 255nm. But 254nm, not 255nm, not 253.7nm, is the most efficient wavelength for germicidal applications, in that it kills the most bugs the fastest. Please don't make me dig up the studies, please find them yourself, there are plenty, and it'll mean more to you.