Latest Blog
Will a UV flashlight kill bacteria/viruses? A UV laser?
May 25 , 2021Ultraviolet C or UVC is used for its germicidal properties. One can often find UVC subunits as part of a multi-system water filtration unit, usually as the fifth or last stage.
Likely there is no UVC flashlight, but anyone could make one I suppose. If intended for use in germicidal or sanitizing purposes, it sounds cool and easy but it would take more than that.
UVC sanitizing devices suspended from the ceiling are being implemented at schools and universities and very likely in industry and offices. These UVC devices are to turn on at night, as reported, to disinfect while the areas are vacant.
UV flashlights have a specific purpose. That purpose is not for killing bacteria and viruses. These can be used for looking for fingerprints, residues or contaminants on items that must be clean, for example, these can be used for inspection of flux residues, post-soldering at 365nm.
A UV laser [laser diode] is a component that emits light at a single wavelength, and all the light waves move together, as coherent waves. There are laser diodes for visible light and Infrared (IR) also, for example laser speed guns (LIDAR) use an infrared frequency.
Laser is more intense than LED [light-emitting diode] light and easily destroys cells in the back of the eye at the retina, that once dead, do not grow back.
So lasers can potentially blind people at any frequency. Never look into or stare at a laser. Never.
Claims that any laser is eye-safe should be treated with wariness, regardless of frequency, even IR.
Regardless, the wavelength of the laser would still be that required for germicidal use and UVC laser diodes likely have some application but it would be difficult to justify the power required for laser light when LED light would do.
uv laser | green laser | Ultraviolet lasers | uv dpss laser | nanosecond laser | UV laser source | Solid State Lasers