Eksimerlamput

Eksimerlamput, also known as excimer lamps, are a type of gas discharge lamp that produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They operate by exciting a gas mixture, typically containing noble gases like argon, krypton, or xenon, and halogens such as chlorine or fluorine, to form transient excited dimers or trimers called excimers. When these excimers relax to their ground state, they emit photons. The specific wavelength of UV light emitted depends on the gas mixture used. Common wavelengths include 126 nm (Ar2), 172 nm (Kr2), 222 nm (KrCl), and 308 nm (XeCl).

The operation of an eksimerlamppu involves passing an electrical discharge through the gas mixture at relatively low pressure. This discharge ionizes and excites the gas atoms, leading to the formation of excimers. Unlike conventional lamps that rely on a filament, eksimerlamput are cold plasma sources, meaning the gas itself is not heated to high temperatures. This contributes to their efficiency and specific spectral output.

Eksimerlamput have found applications in various fields due to their intense UV emission. These include germicidal irradiation for disinfection and sterilization of air, water, and surfaces, as well as photopolymerization processes in the printing and manufacturing industries. They are also used in photolithography for semiconductor fabrication, surface treatment and cleaning of materials, and in scientific research for photochemistry and spectroscopy. The ability to generate specific UV wavelengths with high power density makes them valuable tools for specialized industrial and scientific tasks.