How to Use Black Lights

By eHow Electronics Editor

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If you've ever been to a Halloween funhouse where the lighting made your teeth or clothes glow in the dark, then you have experienced the electromagnetic radiation of black lights. Made in the same manner as fluorescent light bulbs, black lights contain only one phosphor and emit light near the ultraviolet spectrum. This causes the light to make paper, skin, walls and posters "glow in the dark."

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Turn your bedroom into a hippie pad. Black lights were famously used in the 1960s to illuminate velvet flocked "black light" posters. These brightly colored posters, still manufactured today, are quite vivid with black lights shining on them. Turn the black lights on. They will glow intensely.
Step2
Investigate nasty or criminal activity by using black lights to expose stains, blood or trace amounts of bodily fluids left on pillows, sofas or other furniture and materials at a crime scene or in a sleazy hotel.
Step3
Check hands stamped at a nightclub or amusement park. Some clubs use hand stamps with invisible ink that can only be seen under a black light.
Step4
Identify cracks and leaks in machines and appliances by using fluorescent dye and shining black dye on it. This is commonly used to detect leaks in air conditioners.
Step5
Capture thieves by using a fluorescent security pen to mark items. If the belongings are stolen, the thief won't see the marking, and the owner or a law enforcement officials will be able to detect the writing by using a black light.

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eHow Article:  How to Use Black Lights

eHow Electronics Editor

eHow Electronics Editor

Category: Electronics

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