Special Exhibitions
Conserving the Past for the Future
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Special Exhibitions |
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Conserving the Past for the Future |
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Type of Light "Light" in the museum context refers to all forms of radiation generated by white light sources, i.e. sunlight, incandescent light (traditional and tungsten-halogen), and fluorescent lamps. "Light" therefore includes colors that the human eye cannot see. These colors are part of the ultraviolet spectrum, just beyond the blue/violet range of the visible spectrum, and the infrared spectrum, which is just above the red range of the visible spectrum.Each type of radiation is characterized by a certain wavelength. Wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm). UV radiation (300-400 nm) is composed of short, high-energy wavelengths and is most dangerous to materials, it is responsible for photochemical degredation of maerials. Visible radiation (400 - 760nm) also causes chemical deterioration of materials and, because it is available in much larger quantities than ultraviolet or infrared, it is ultimately capable of more damage. Infrared radiation (beyond 760nm) is relatively low energy and less dangerous, but can cause thermal reactions in the materials. Page 1 of 3 | On the next page: Intensity of Light |
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