A UV lamp for thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a specialized ultraviolet light source used to visualize colorless chemical spots on TLC plates.
- 254 nm (Shortwave): The most common wavelength used for TLC. Most commercial TLC plates contain a fluorescent indicator (such as zinc sulfide) that glows green under 254 nm light. Compounds that absorb at 254 nm block this fluorescence, appearing as dark spots against a bright green background.
- 365 nm (Longwave): Used to visualize compounds that naturally fluoresce under longwave UV light.
