UV Light Wavelength
July 16, 2026
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Source: lideda
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. The UV spectrum spans from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm) and is commonly divided into three main categories based on wavelength and biological effects.
UV Light Wavelength Range
| UV Type | Wavelength | Characteristics | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVA | 315–400 nm | Long-wave UV, lowest energy | UV curing, black lights, insect traps, medical devices |
| UVB | 280–315 nm | Medium-wave UV | Vitamin D production, dermatology, research |
| UVC | 100–280 nm | Short-wave UV, highest energy | Air, water, and surface sterilization |
UVA (315–400 nm)
UVA accounts for approximately 95% of the ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Typical LED wavelengths include:
365 nm – Fluorescence inspection, forensic analysis
385 nm – UV curing
395 nm – Resin curing, counterfeit detection
405 nm – Industrial inspection and curing
Common applications:
UV ink curing
Adhesive curing
Nail lamps
Currency verification
Fluorescence imaging
UVB (280–315 nm)
UVB has higher energy than UVA but is mostly absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer.
Applications include:
Medical phototherapy
Vitamin D synthesis
Scientific research
Agricultural studies
Common UVB LED wavelengths:
295 nm
300 nm
310 nm
UVC (100–280 nm)
UVC has the shortest wavelength and the highest photon energy.
Almost all natural UVC is absorbed by the atmosphere, but artificial UVC sources are widely used for disinfection.
Typical UVC LED wavelengths:
265 nm – Maximum DNA absorption
270 nm
275 nm
280 nm
Applications:
Water purification
Air sterilization
Surface disinfection
Medical equipment sterilization
Food processing
Popular UV LED Wavelengths
| Wavelength | UV Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 365 nm | UVA | Fluorescence, inspection |
| 385 nm | UVA | UV curing |
| 395 nm | UVA | Resin curing, black light |
| 405 nm | UVA | Industrial curing |
| 295 nm | UVB | Medical research |
| 310 nm | UVB | Phototherapy |
| 275 nm | UVC | Disinfection |
| 265 nm | UVC | High-efficiency sterilization |
UV vs. Visible Light
| Light Type | Wavelength |
|---|---|
| Ultraviolet | 100–400 nm |
| Visible Light | 400–700 nm |
| Infrared | 700 nm–1 mm |
Because UV wavelengths are below 400 nm, they are invisible to the human eye.
Choosing the Right UV Wavelength
365 nm – Best for fluorescence detection and high-quality industrial inspection.
385–405 nm – Ideal for UV curing of inks, coatings, and adhesives.
295–310 nm – Used in dermatology and medical phototherapy.
265–280 nm – Best for germicidal and sterilization applications.
The ultraviolet spectrum ranges from 100 to 400 nm and is divided into UVA (315–400 nm), UVB (280–315 nm), and UVC (100–280 nm). Each wavelength range serves different purposes, from industrial curing and fluorescence inspection to medical treatments and high-efficiency disinfection. Selecting the appropriate UV wavelength ensures optimal performance, safety, and application effectiveness.
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