
What else you can do with your Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light is an invisible band of radiation at the upper end of the visible light spectrum. With shorter wavelengths than visible light, ultraviolet starts at the end of visible light and ends at the beginning of X-rays. Though these waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects, like bumblebees, can see them.
Detects Forgeries
White paper manufactured after 1950 contains fluorescent compounds to make it appear brighter and will fluoresce under Ultraviolet light. Pre-1950 paper does not. This can be used to verify if a paper is older than 1950.
Credit cards contain hidden features only visible under Ultraviolet light. A Master Card will show a large MC on its surface under Ultraviolet light. A bird will appear on a Visa Card under Ultraviolet light.
US bills are made with a special paper that does not contain fluorescent compounds and will not fluoresce under an Ultraviolet light. Much of the counterfeit money will fluoresce because it is made of the wrong type of paper. Most newer US bills will contain fluorescent strip built into the paper. Close examination under Ultraviolet light will detect the strip and the denomination of the bill printed on the strip
British pounds, Euros, Travelers Checks, Postage Stamps and most current paper money contain features only visible under Ultraviolet light.
Police use Ultraviolet light to detect fake IDs as they will fluoresce differently than real IDs.
Repairs in Antiques
Ultraviolet light is used to spot repairs and alterations in art and antiques. Flaws, hairline cracks and repairs in antique glass, rugs and paintings are often visible under UV light.
Forensics
In forensic investigations, Ultraviolet light are used to reveal the presence of trace evidence, such as blood, urine, semen and saliva, by causing visible fluorescence in these substances. Fluorescent compounds are added to anti-freeze to help investigators reconstruct automobile accident scenes.
Sanitary Conditions
Ultraviolet light can be used to detect unsanitary stains found in hotel rooms and chairs. It can also be used to detect urine from pets and rodents invisible to the naked eye.
Minerals and Gems
Fluorite, calcite, gypsum, ruby, talc, opal, agate, quartz, and amber have fluorescent properties. Minerals and gemstones are most commonly made fluorescent due to the presence of impurities.
Nature
Some animals, including birds, reptiles, and insects such as bees, can see into the near ultraviolet. Many fruits, flowers, and seeds stand out more strongly from the background in ultraviolet. Many birds have patterns in their plumage that are invisible at usual wavelengths but observable in ultraviolet, Jellyfish and scorpions glow or take on a different color under UV illumination