Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Deuterium (D2) is a rare form of hydrogen having a neutron in its nucleus. Often associated with ‘heavy water’ it is also used in these unusual low-pressure arc lamps used in spectroscopy. The lamp is special as it provides a nearly continues spectrum in the Ultra-Violet region from around 180nm – 300nm. This type of broad band emission relates to the molecular nature of the gas and not just the electron level transitions. The D2 gas is at low pressure but runs hotter than in other types of low-pressure spectral lights. The outer envelope is special UV glass to allow the transmission of the wide band UV emissions. The normal running voltage is around 100V with a current of 300mA and requires an ignition anode voltage of about 500V. They are designed for 2000 hours of operation.
Deuterium (D2) is a rare form of hydrogen having a neutron in its nucleus. Often associated with ‘heavy water’ it is also used in these unusual low-pressure arc lamps used in spectroscopy. The lamp is special as it provides a nearly continues spectrum in the Ultra-Violet region from around 180nm – 300nm. This type of broad band emission relates to the molecular nature of the gas and not just the electron level transitions. The D2 gas is at low pressure but runs hotter than in other types of low-pressure spectral lights. The outer envelope is special UV glass to allow the transmission of the wide band UV emissions. The normal running voltage is around 100V with a current of 300mA and requires an ignition anode voltage of about 500V. They are designed for 2000 hours of operation.
