A DYE LASER SOURCE OF MONOCHROMATIC UV‐B and UV‐C RADIATIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL ACTION SPECTROSCOPY

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Abstract
We have used a flashlamp driven tunable dye laser as a radiation source for observing UV‐C and UV‐B action spectra of two eukaryotic microorganisms. The general nature of the irradiation system and various operating parameters are described. The laser produces the high power output required for UV‐B action spectroscopy; it is tunable throughout the UV‐B range with the very narrow bandwidth required for high resolution action spectra. The peak power density does not appear to reach the threshold of ‘two photon’ biological effects, a concern when using pulsed lasers for action spectroscopy. The laser is somewhat more expensive and considerably more difficult to operate compared with arc‐monochrometer systems; it is generally equal or greater in UV‐B power and has distinct advantages in tunability and bandwidth of the spectral output.