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Black light flashlights are all the rage. Plus, a black light flashlight is a practical tool for everyday use. In this article, you’ll learn how these flashlights work and what you can do with them.
Black Light Flashlight – How It Works
“Black light” refers to a specific range of UV light, which is itself a subset of the light spectrum.
- UV light, or ultraviolet light, is invisible to the human eye. The eye can only perceive light with a wavelength between 380 and 780 nanometers.
- UV light has a wavelength between 100 and 380 nanometers. It is therefore short-wavelength radiation.
- UV light is further subdivided into UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. Blacklight flashlights operate in the UVA range, meaning they use light with wavelengths between 315 and 380 nanometers.
- You cannot see black light itself, but it excites fluorescent materials, causing them to glow. However, this is only possible in a completely darkened room.
Black Light Flashlights – Applications
Unlike conventional flashlights, black light was previously often used in nightclubs or bars to create special lighting effects.
- A very practical use for UV flashlights is hygiene inspection. For example, black light can be used to reveal urine stains or blood residue in a darkened room.
- In this regard, the gadget is also well-suited for pet owners. You can use the light to locate dried-up dog or cat waste in your home if you notice an unidentifiable odor but can’t see the source.
- UV flashlights have also become popular for geocaching. With the help of this special light, you can reveal clues left behind with a special UV marker.
- You can also use UV light to verify the authenticity of banknotes and documents. Certain features on these documents are visible under UV light.
- Black light lamps are used, for example, to examine gemstones. They are also used to examine bloodstains in criminal cases.
