UVC
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Physics
| Stands for | Ultraviolet C |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
UVC stands for Ultraviolet C, a physics abbreviation.
Shortest-wavelength band of ultraviolet commonly defined, 100 to 280 nanometers, completely absorbed by Earth's atmosphere. Artificial UVC at around 254 nanometers damages the DNA and RNA of microbes, so it is used in germicidal lamps to disinfect water, air and surfaces.
Example: The hospital robot disinfects empty rooms with UVC lamps for ten minutes between patients.
Usage notes
Direct exposure to germicidal UVC injures eyes and skin, so lamps must be shielded or used in unoccupied rooms. "Far-UVC" at about 222 nanometers penetrates the outer layer of skin and eyes less and is being studied for continuous use in occupied spaces. Low-pressure mercury lamps have been the standard UVC source, with UVC LEDs increasingly common.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- AFM – Atomic force microscope
- ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable
- ATLAS – A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS
- BEC – Bose-Einstein condensate
- c – Speed of light
- CCD – Charge-coupled device
- CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research
- CMP – Condensed matter physics
- CMS – Compact Muon Solenoid
- COM – Center of mass
- CP – Charge-parity (symmetry)
- ELF – Extremely low frequency