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Deuterium lamps

Deuterium lamps are gas discharge lamps in which deuterium (a natural isotope of hydrogen) is excited to glow by electrons. Deuterium lamps provide an almost continuous spectrum of light from the UV wavelength range (185-400 nm) to the visible spectral range (400-800 nm). They are mainly used as ultraviolet light sources for laboratory analytics, such as in UV-Vis spectroscopy or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), where they form the heart of the detector, so to speak.

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WICOM Deuterium Lamp

Deuterium lamps are critical in laboratory analysis due to their capacity to deliver continuous and stable UV radiation. However, their performance degrades over time, which can compromise the quality of measurements. It is, therefore, imperative to regularly inspect and replace these lamps to maintain the accuracy of HPLC analyses.

Close-up of the Deuterium Lamp Head​Close-up of the Deuterium Lamp Head​

Deuterium lamps for all HPLC devices

These lamps are highly specialized, with only a few manufacturers worldwide producing them for HPLC and UV-Vis applications. In addition to Heraeus, the Japanese company Hamamatsu has established a strong presence in this market. Some HPLC manufacturers, such as Agilent Technologies, have also developed proprietary models for their instruments.

Our online shop for laboratory analytics offers high-quality deuterium lamps that are pre-aligned for all current and older models of HPLC and spectrometric devices. We place particular emphasis on variety and top-tier quality. Our WICOM Perfect Light® Deuterium Lamps are compatible with widely used systems from manufacturers such as Thermo Fisher, Agilent, Varian, Waters Alliance, Merck, Hitachi, Shimadzu, and Kontron.

Compatibility & Quality

In HPLC applications, deuterium lamps are considered consumables and must be replaced as soon as their performance declines. While the lamps themselves are uniform in construction, they differ in device-specific mounts. Therefore, compatible WICOM Perfect Light® Deuterium Lamps can be seamlessly integrated into the respective HPLC systems, even if they are not produced by the original equipment manufacturer, provided that the mounts and specifications are compatible.

In the WICOM Shop, you will find the appropriate deuterium lamp for any device, regardless of whether it is a modern or older model. Our WICOM Perfect Light® lamps offer precise fitting and extended lifespan due to their superior quality. Additionally, we offer original spare parts and deuterium lamps from esteemed manufacturers like Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Waters, Shimadzu, Hitachi, and Merck.

A suitable Deuterium lamp for Agilent systemsA suitable Deuterium lamp for Agilent systems

Deuterium lamp with red and blue cablesDeuterium lamp with red and blue cables

Types of Deuterium Lamps

Today, nearly all installed lamps come pre-aligned with mounts. Some lamps feature a projection due to manufacturing reasons: only the light exit window is made of quartz or specialized UV-transmitting glass, while the rest of the body is made of regular glass. Such a “nose lamp” can generally be replaced with an equivalent lamp without a projection.

Lamps without mounts have the disadvantage of requiring continuous manual realignment. Consequently, these models have been discontinued for several years and are virtually obsolete. However, they are still found in some older systems.

 

At WICOM, the following models are available:

  • Basic lamp without projection and mount

  • With projection

  • Or as a lamp with a mount

If your laboratory still uses older HPLC systems that require deuterium lamps without mounts, our knowledgeable analytics shop team is available to assist you in selecting appropriate replacement lamps.

Expert-Tipp

Caution is advised when handling deuterium lamps, especially avoiding direct contact with the light exit window, as fingerprints can obstruct UV radiation.

Moreover, shortwave UV light is potentially harmful to the retina, making safety precautions essential when changing lamps.

Close-up of a finger with a highlighted fingerprint in blue, indicating safety precautions when handling Deuterium lamps.Close-up of a finger with a highlighted fingerprint in blue, indicating safety precautions when handling Deuterium lamps.

How does a deuterium lamp work?

Components:

The lamp body of a deuterium lamp is always made of specialized synthetic quartz alloys, since ordinary glass would absorb most of the UV radiation.

Ignition:

To ignite a deuterium lamp, it is first heated with a low DC voltage, recognizable by a faint orange-red glow. A high-voltage pulse then initiates the actual ignition. Electrons are emitted from the filament, which, when passing through the electric field, gain enough energy to ionize additional gas molecules, releasing more electrons. This process leads to a stable gas discharge.

Wear and Replacement:

After approximately 2,000 hours, part of the filament evaporates and deposits on the inner surface of the glass body, absorbing most of the UV radiation. Fingerprints have a similar effect, so lamps should never be touched at the light exit window. Additionally, due to the diffusion of the filling gas into the glass body, the ignition spark may no longer suffice to sustain stable deuterium emission. At this point, it is time to install a new lamp.

Close-up of a Deuterium lamp in a housingClose-up of a Deuterium lamp in a housing

A laboratory technician performing HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)​A laboratory technician performing HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)​

Buy Deuterium Lamps für HPLC & GC

In our online shop, you will find a comprehensive selection of deuterium lamps from various manufacturers, tailored to different needs and offering various features (e.g., pre-aligned, with operating hour counters, with heat sinks, etc.). Purchase a high-quality deuterium lamp now! If you are also interested in other accessories: We also offer a wide range of xenon lamps and hollow cathode lamps in our shop.

For the visible light range (VIS), halogen or tungsten lamps are used. WICOM offers both original and compatible tungsten lamps. Our online shop products are generally clearly labeled, allowing you to quickly identify the best-suited model for your needs (e.g., for more modern or older DAD, IBM, or Isco models).

Should you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. To view prices, please log in to our online shop.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where are deuterium lamps used?

 

Deuterium lamps are essential in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other chromatographic techniques for detecting compounds based on their absorption in the UV range. The high spectral purity of deuterium lamps enables the precise detection of even the lowest concentrations.

Applications:

  • HPLC: Determination of impurities and active substances.
  • Analyte detection: High precision in UV absorption measurement.
  • Reproducibility: Stability of the light source ensures consistent results.

How long do deuterium lamps last?

Deuterium lamps burn very stably and have a long service life of 1,000 to 2,000 hours. Newer models, such as those from Heraeus Noblelight, the world leader in deuterium lamp manufacturing, can last well over 2,000 hours in use.

The degradation of the filament results in deposits on the lamp glass, which dampen UV radiation. Additionally, aging of the gas inside the lamp can lead to ignition issues, affecting functionality. To maintain accurate detection in HPLC, it is essential to regularly inspect and replace the lamp when necessary.

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