Excimer refers only to the bonds between two or more molecules of the same species. In an excimer lamp, high-energy Xe atoms are excited and form Xe2 dimers. These molecules then release UV photons at a wavelength of 172 nm. However, an exciplex is a type of compound formed when two or more heterodimeric structures are combined. The compounds known as krCl are commonly used for the emission of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 222 nm. This region has anti-microbial capabilities.
It is widely accepted that the term excimer is used to describe the process of the formation of both exciplex and excimer radiation and excilamp is also often used to refer to light sources that produce discharge-based excimers. The UV excimer is available in two forms, a linear lamp and a module form.
The Linear Lamps
Our linear UV excimer lamps are designed to produce narrow band ultraviolet-C wavelengths that are ideal for eye safety. They feature high output and are made with materials that are optimized for working in the UV-C. While standard sizes are available, we also offer customizable co-axial excimer lamp configurations.
The module
The UV excimer module is composed of an integrated reflector, external electrodes, and transverse discharge, all of which maximize lamp lifetime and are designed to provide a rugged yet attractive design. There are various sizes available, with smaller modules being used for tiling, prototyping, or small work areas. The Large sizes can also be used to disinfect larger areas.
How They Work
An excimer lamp is made of noble gas-filled emitters that are enclosed in a sealed quartz glass chamber. These lamps can be used to achieve the desired ultra-violet (UV) wavelength depending on the noble gases present inside the chamber. The high-energy electrons that are deposited into the lamp’s internal chamber are then produced a plasma discharge referred to as a dielectric barrier discharge. This discharge causes the atoms inside the lamp to excite which then triggers the formation of excited molecular structures.
The excimer molecules’ final emission stage is then completed when they dissociate from the gas and return to their original state, which results in the emission of UV radiation. The photons from the UV excimer lamp travel through the air and are then absorbed by oxygen producing an ozone layer on the substrate.
The remaining substrate molecules are then removed, which results in a layer of treated chemicals on the top surface of the lamp. This effect can be distributed along the length of the UV excimer lamp’s output. Depending on the desired UV wavelength, different noble gas configurations can be implemented inside the chamber. The 222 nm UV excimer does not cause molecular damage to organic tissue making it ideal for use in areas where humans are present.
Applications
Unlike traditional UV lamps, UV excimer lamps have a low temperature and radiate light at a steady rate. Also, they do not require to get heated. Because of this, they reach their peak output immediately after being turned on.
The ability of an excimer lamp to generate required radicals or excite species is due to the presence of ultraviolet radiation. It can be useful in various photochemical and photophysical processes, such as the curing of paints and coatings, the development of photolithography, and the modification of dielectrics.
In addition to producing photo-etching of polymers, excimer lamps can also be used for microstructural modification of large-area structures. The different wavelengths of light that can be used for photo-etching of polymers include 172 nm, 222 nm, and 305 nm. For microstructural modification of large-area structures, excimer UV sources can be used. The XeCl-excimer lamps with a light output of 310 nm are ideal for getting tan.
Advantages Of Using UV Excimer
The UV excimer can be customized to meet the specific needs of different applications by selecting the wavelengths that are suitable for their specific requirements. For instance, certain wavelengths can effectively disinfect surfaces without causing organic damage. The safety of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been established with the use of 222 nm. This wavelength can’t penetrate the top layer of skin and can only disable harmful bacteria on the surface. This factor makes the UV excimer a much better option compared to the conventional lamps.
