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11.5: True Ultra-Violet

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    53129
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    Your author has referenced “true ultra-violet” as opposed to just ultra-violet. True ultra-violet (UV) light is in the color spectrum 10nm to 399nm. Most “UV” lights on the market are in the 400nm to 430nm range, which is technically a violet color spectrum. Also, it is important to note true UV light appear in two wavelengths: short-wave and long-wave. Short-wave UV light is in the 10nm to 290nm range. Short-wave UV light is used in forensics primarily as a means to sterilize equipment and cabinets since this range of UV will destroy DNA after three minutes of exposure (not something you want to do during evidence examination). UV has the benefit that you will not need a barrier filter to visualize or photograph evidence visualized under UV light. Biological fluids will naturally fluoresce; however, most fabrics are treated with UV-blocking agents to keep them from fading in the sun. In this instance, it is best to switch to a visible light spectrum with an appropriate barrier.

    A close-up of a ruler

AI-generated content may be incorrect.
    A ruler and a roll of metal

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    Figure \(\PageIndex{1a/b}\): Fibers visualized with pure UV. Fortunately these fibers were not treated with a UV blocking chemical. Author's collection

    This page titled 11.5: True Ultra-Violet is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by David Doglietto.

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