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HBO lamps are short arc lamps in which the discharge arc burns in an atmosphere of mercury vapor at high pressure.
Their main characteristics and advantages are:
High radiance
- Multi-line spectrum
- High radiant power in the UV and the visible range
- AC and/or DC operation
- Long life
- High optical quality
Applications:
Lamps rated at less than 200 W are predominantly used in scientific and technical applications such as:
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Fluorescence endoscopy
- Light guide applications
- Schlieren photography
- Hologram projection
- UV curing
Lamps rated at 350 W and above are used almost exclusively for the fabrication of electronic chips in microlithography.
A special application for which lamps of any wattage can be used is laser simulation and effect light projection in the entertainment industry.
Safety:
During operation HBO lamps emit intensive UV radiation which is harmful to the eyes and skin. The emitted luminance is so high that viewing the arc directly causes permanent damage e.g. to the retina.
HBO lamps must therefore only be operated in suitable special-purpose lamp casings which prevent the luminous arc from being viewed directly and which, in the unlikely ebent of a lamp exploding, will retain the shards. However mercury is released when an HBO explodes. Special safety precautions must be taken; further details are available on request.
Disposal:
HBO discharge lamps contain small quantities of pollutants (such as mercury) which are harmful to the environment. In Germany, they are classified as special waste (Code 35326 "Mercury, residue containing mercury, mercury vapour lamps, fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tubes"). In other countries, relevant national regulations must be observed.
Literature:
For further information on HBO lamps and notes for manufacturers of control gear, please refer to the following publications, available on request from OSRAM:
- "HBO mercury short-arc lamps for microlithography"
- "Manufacturers of control gear and igniters for special discharge lamps"
- "Technical Information: Mercury safety instructions for HBO short arc lamps "
- "Technical Information: Instructions for transportation and storage of HBO short arc lamps for microlithography"
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