Question

I plugged in a 120V 254nm fluorescent unit into a 220V power source momentarily. The bulb did not burn out however I am now concerned that the bulb is now not 254 nm. Is is possible that the wavelength of the bulb was changed by that short burst of higher voltage?

Answer 1

the wavelength of the photons is determined by the energies allowed in the electron states of the atom which is emitting the 254nm photon,
in this case the atoms in your tube that are emitting are Mercury atoms \(Hg\), the electron states allowed in specific atom do not change

Answer 2

My original application was testing nitrogen content in diamond. 254nm is blocked by nitrogen rich diamonds whereas diamonds devoid of nitrogen easily pass 254nm. Prior to plugging it into 220V the distinction was obvious. Now it is not as apparent. Although the light seems to be in perfect working order, could something else have affected the ability to to make this distinction?

Answer 3

you have partially burn out the tube, those short moments of current may have resulted in darkening of the film which is irreversible , this would reduce the intensity of the photons, but their wavelength should be constant,

Answer 4

may have*

Answer 5

That makes sense. I have additional 254 nm lights that I can retest with to see if the original test results were as I remembered. I was worried this was all my imagination that I had seen better results prior. Thanks.

Answer 6

yeah dont test it in the 220V though, ha ha

Answer 7

May have learned my lesson, though I don't learn easily.

Answer 8

one step at a time is still gonna get you places