Ultraviolet (UV) light refers to a specific range of electromagnetic radiation in the light spectrum, shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. Illumination products emitting this type of light are available at retail locations specializing in arts, crafts, and hobby supplies. These lights serve various purposes, including curing certain types of adhesives, detecting fluorescent materials, and creating special effects.
The utility of such lighting spans several domains. In crafting, it accelerates the drying or hardening of UV-reactive resins and glues, enabling faster project completion. Forensic science and security utilize these lights to identify counterfeit currency or highlight otherwise invisible markings. Historically, these lights were primarily confined to scientific and industrial applications, but their increased availability at hobby retailers reflects growing consumer interest and diverse applications.