Forensic UV Torches
Professional UV Flashlights
A UV flashlight gives us a glimpse into what is otherwise an unseen, hidden world. Unlike a regular flashlight or torch, a rechargeable UV torch doesn’t shine light to illuminate the dark, but instead its purpose is to reveal what is beyond our scope of vision.
What we see with the naked eye is light within the visible spectrum that has reflected or refracted off objects. Either side of the visible light spectrum is infrared light and ultraviolet light, and objects which refract light with the ultraviolet spectrum are known as fluorescent. These fluorescent objects contain phosphorous which reacts with UV rays of light from an ultra violet flash light, causing them to glow or illuminate into something we can perceive.
A UV flashlight (also known as a black light torch) can serve many purposes, from practical use to entertainment and even security and detection. With many objects, both natural and artificial being fluorescent – including some living creatures, a rechargeable UV flashlight essentially extends our scope of vision into this fascinating hidden world.
Types of UV Light
Ultraviolet light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that falls to the left of, or just before visible light – regarding wavelength. Operating at a wavelength ranging from 200nm (nanometres) to 400nm, UV light can be sub divided into three bands – UVA, UVB and UVC light
- UVA light is known as long wave UV light and operates at a wavelength ranging from 315-400nm. Its long wavelength makes it more impermeable to absorption and it easily passes through the Earth’s ozone layer.
- UVB light is found within the 280-315nm wavelength range and is known as medium-wave UV light. Most of the ultraviolet light in this shorter wavelength is absorbed by the Ozone layer.
- UVC light covers the range from 200-280 nanometres and as short-wave UV light, it’s completly absorbed by the ozone layer.
Humans can only see the refraction of long-wave UV light and for this reason, this is the range in which the best UV flashlights operate. The collection of NightSearcher UV flashlights is available in either 365nm or 395nm.
Applications for UV Flashlights
One of the most common applications for a handheld black light is for crime scene investigation. They're an essential tool for forensics teams when on a scene of a crime – most bodily fluids, bone and teeth are naturally fluorescent in trace. Therefore, a professional 365nm UV flashlight can help detectives to find evidence which may be missed with the naked eye.
Professional handheld UV torches operate in the 365nm band. Whilst both 365nm and 395nm UV lights operate within the UVA wavelength range, the shorter wavelength / higher frequency of a 365nm UV torch means it produces more fluorescence and so detects more deposited materials.
In other forms of crime fighting, 365nm UV flashlights are used for checking the authenticity of documents and money. Fluorescent materials are used in the manufacture of government documents such as passports, bonds certificates and money. These materials become visible under ultraviolet light and so a UV flashlight is used to check whether a document is legitimate or not.
A 395nm UV flashlight is generally more of a layperson's tool that is used for leak detection, sterilising and disinfecting surfaces, as well as curing UV-sensitive resins and coatings. This is because the 395nm wavelength is very close to visible light and so 395nm UV flashlights typically won't pick up smaller, weaker deposits of vital fluids.
Is a UV LED Torch Dangerous?
We receive a significant amount of UV radiation from the sun on a daily basis – both in form of UVA and UVB wavelengths. Extended periods of exposure can have health implications such as sun burn, eye irritation, and in extreme cases, skin cancer. We can, however, protect ourselves with high-factor sun cream and polarised sunglasses which filter out the harmful rays. A handheld UV torch is generally safe because the level of UV radiation is typically many times weaker per square metre than which we receive from the sun. Whilst the potential for harm is many times smaller than natural sunlight, some general safety precautions should be observed when using a UV LED torch.
Because UV light is invisible to the naked eye it doesn’t cause us to squint or look away as a natural reflex. Prolonged exposure is harmful to the eye, therefore you should never look directly into the UV flashlight when it’s on. It’s also advisable to wear UV-blocking safety glasses or sunglasses during operation. Avoid prolonged exposure on to bare skin and as a general rule of thumb, only turn the UV flash light on for as long as required.
Disclaimer: The content published above is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
New Powerful UV Flashlights
Joining our range of handheld UV black lights are two new high power UV flashlights - the UV365-MAX and the UV365-AA.
The new UV365-MAX is a heavy-duty LED flashlight. Fully rechargeable, the UV LED torch is specifically designed for forensic detection and counterfeit scanning. The 365nm wavelength enables the detection of suspect items within a 100 metres coverage range without dark spots. The UV365-MAX comes complete with its own carry case, keeping the UV torch, battery, charger, and protective glasses all together and ready for action. The UV365-MAX is also designed to receive a tripod mount for complete handsfree operation, perfect for painting a scene with a bright and powerful UV light. The new UV365-AA is a compact and lightweight UV flashlight that's powered by two replaceable dry-cell AA batteries. Slim and light, the UV365-AA is ideal for an initial sweep of a crime scene with its built-in tactical switch and wrist strap. Both models are constructed from Type 3 hard anodised aluminium and carry a certified IP65 rating - offering reliable protection against dust and water ingress.