# Black Light Bulb Types & Hardware: BLB, BL, UV LEDs & Wood's Glass

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## Hardware Summary Verdict
For portable inspection and field work, InGaN 365nm UV LEDs with ZWB2 black filter glass represent the modern pinnacle of efficiency, durability, and contrast. For broad-area ambient illumination, BLB (Blacklight Blue) fluorescent tubes provide diffuse, uniform UV-A.
Avoid incandescent black lights: they produce <0.05% UV-A and waste 99.9% of energy as dangerous heat.

## Hardware Breakdown
1. BLB Fluorescent Tube (Blacklight Blue): Mercury discharge with Wood's nickel-oxide envelope glass. Emits 368nm (SrB4O7:Eu2+ phosphor). Low visible bleed (<1%). Ideal for banknote counters and forensic rooms.
2. BL Fluorescent Tube (Actinic Blacklight): Clear soda-lime glass tube. Emits 350-368nm with visible mercury blue lines. High insect attraction; used in electronic bug zappers.
3. 365nm InGaN LED (Filtered with ZWB2): Solid-state diode with optical bandpass lens. 365nm peak, near-zero visible bleed (<0.2%), 25,000+ hr lifespan. Premier tool for forensics, pet urine, art, and mineral hunting.
4. 395nm InGaN LED (Commercial Unfiltered): InGaN diode emitting 395nm with 20-30% visible purple glare. Low cost; ideal for scorpion hunting and craft resin curing.
5. Mercury-Vapor Wood's Lamp: High-pressure quartz burner with 3mm Wood's glass window. Emits 365.4nm triplet. Clinical dermatology standard.
6. Incandescent 'Black Light': Filament with purple glass. <0.05% UV efficiency; fire hazard; useless for fluorescence.