Glossary Of Terms: Lamps

Lead-in wires. Wires that connect the lamp base to the cathode.

Low-pressure lamps (LP). Low-pressure tanning systems use gas-discharge lamps, also known as fluorescent lamps.

Minimal erythemal dose (MED). 1 MED is the least amount of UV exposure that results in pigmentation without sunburn.

Mercury. Atoms in the form of a vapor in the lamp; when struck by electrons and excited, they emit a UV photon with a wavelength of 254 nm.

Minimal melanogenic dose (MMD). 1 MMD is the minimal dose required to produce a noticeable tan.

Nanometers (nm). Measurement of light; refers to the length of the wave form at a given point.

Phosphor. Substance coated onto the inside of the lamp during the manufacturing process; absorbs UV and converts it to longer wavelengths (usually visible light).

Recessed double contact (RDC). Black end-caps on the end of the lamp; most common lengths are F72 and F73.

RUVA lamps. RUVA lamps (also called reflector lamps) have an internal reflective coating that typically covers a 220-degree area of the inside of the lamp, focusing all output through the front end of the lamp.

Stem press. A cathode support structure; means to hermetically seal the lamp ends.

TE. Refers to the approximate time to 4 MEDs in a typical sunbed.