What is black light?
A black light releases very little light that is visible to the human eye, giving it it’s contrary name. A black light’s wavelengths start at one extreme end of the visible light spectrum in the high-energy visible light (HEV) range. HEV waves are detected by the human eye as deep blues and violets. From there, the wavelengths become so short and scattered we can no longer detect them, creating ultra-violet (UV) or “black light” radiation. A common black light is a fluorescent tube with an inner coating that restricts the wavelengths that can pass through the glass. A black light can use the same lightbar and ballast as a normal fluorescent light. Since most of the light emitted from a black light is not visible, it shines dimly with a deep blue or violet glow and is sometimes referred to as a “black blue light.” While we can’t see much of the radiation coming from a black light, certain colors and pigments absorb the invisible light then discharge it, causing a glowing effect. Black l
If you turn on a black light bulb in a dark room, what you can see from the bulb is a purplish glow. What you cannot see is the ultraviolet light that the bulb is also producing. Our eyes can see the visible light in a spectrum ranging from red through orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Above violet is ultraviolet light, which we cannot see. What you see glowing under a black light, whether it is a fluorescent poster, something you’ve painted with fluorescent paint or a newly-washed white T-shirt, is different phosphors. A phosphor, is any substance that emits visible light in response to some sort of radiation. In other words, a phosphor converts the energy in the radiation into visible light. So a fluorescent paint contains a phosphor that converts UV radiation into a specific color of visible light. Normal colors simply reflect light, but a fluorescent color absorbs the radiation and re-emits it in the visible spectrum, sort of like a light bulb emits light, so it looks much br
When there is black light in the room (otherwise known as ultraviolet light, UV light or fluorescent light) certain items have the ability to glow with its reflection. It adds another dimension to the scene. Glow products glow brighter in black light. Black light (or ultraviolet light) is not some crazy man-made invention. UV light is barely outside of the human visual range, and yet it pours down on us every day from the cosmos (mostly from our own sun). It’s exoctic and unearthly. And a black light can make your room into a dream you’ll never want to wake up from…
