4 replies to this topic

[Billie_Mudd]

So I read the actual journal articles (one was British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 142, Number 5, May 2000, pp. 973-978(6)). It seems that the blue wavelength used in their project had a peak at 415nm, but a non-uniform distribution about the peak; the range was 405-445nm. Interestingly, "Actinic 03" type flourescent bulbs have a similar spectrum with a maximum at 415nm. These bulbs are normally used for aquariums containing coral, and produce an insignificant amount of UVA radiation.

I'm going to build and test a device using two 9-watt "Actinic 03" bulbs ($7 each + $12 ballast/fixture each) and 100 deep red LEDs peaking at 660nm (2000mcp, $20, assume 10 watt power draw). At the present cost of electricity, bi-weekly 15-minute sessions suck electricity at a whopping 13 cents per kilowatt hr. 40 watts X 0.5 hours X 52 weeks = 1.4 kilowatt hours = 18.2 cents. That's $3499.82 cheaper than 10 $350 visits to the dermatologist, and you get to keep the device

Actually, the $7 actinic bulbs need to be replaced every 6 months.

I'm also interested in fiber optics. . . if the correct LEDs were arranged and delivered to every possible point on the inside of a face mask by fiber optic cables, the face would be uniformly bathed in anti-inflammatory / p.acnes destroying light. This would also free up the user to move around / browse the net / do whatever while recieving the tratement. (Think Darth Vader ). I lack the resources and time to produce this, but for anyone who wants to sell Sharper Image their next toy. . . LEDs with the exact wavelength and spectrum necessary are available from a British company (I was on their website the other day).

Aite, Ill keep ye posted
Chow
~Billie

[philidias]

sounds like an interesting project. keep us updated!

[Billie_Mudd]

Update: The bulbs and LEDs have arrived. The 415nm flourescent bulbs are hella bright. The 660nm LEDs are a pain in the butt to wire. 60 down, 30 to go. I'm arranging them in three panel-arrays of 6x5. Also going to purchase a bunch of mirrors. That way I can place the lights and LEDs in a half-box lined with mirrors for maximum directional output. Chow, ~J

[Leo U]

Hey Billie_Mudd,

How's that project of yours coming along so far. Any results? I found a spectrometer plot of the philips 03 actinic bulb here(about 2/3 way down the page):

Philips actinic 03 bulb spectrometer plot

It looks like the majority of the light is between 400nm and 450nm with the peak at about 420nm. These bulbs come in various sizes and wattages up to 48w , I think... A 40w bulb like this would probably be ok but I'm no scientist like wolfy and I'm pretty sure he'll find something wrong with this when he sees it. What do you think Wolf??