Woodlamppuvalaistus

Woodlamppuvalaistus, also known as Wood's lamp illumination or black light, refers to the use of a lamp that emits ultraviolet (UV) light, typically in the UVA range. This type of lighting has found applications in various fields due to the phenomenon of fluorescence, where certain materials absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible light.

The primary component of a Wood's lamp is a bulb, often a mercury-vapor lamp, fitted with a filter that blocks most visible light while allowing UV radiation to pass through. This creates a dim, purplish glow that is characteristic of Wood's lamp examination.

In dermatology, Wood's lamp examination is a diagnostic tool used to identify various skin conditions. For instance, fungal infections like ringworm may fluoresce in distinct colors under UV light, aiding in their diagnosis. Certain bacterial infections and pigmentary disorders can also be visualized more clearly. The fluorescence observed is dependent on the specific chemical compounds present in the causative agent or the affected tissue.

Beyond medicine, Wood's lamp illumination is employed in forensic science to detect bodily fluids, counterfeit currency, and other materials that fluoresce under UV. It is also used in art authentication, mineralogy to study fluorescent rocks, and in scientific research for various detection and analysis purposes. The effectiveness of Wood's lamp depends on the inherent fluorescent properties of the substance being examined.