Category Overview
Specialty Lighting
Replacement Lamps for Microscopes, Analytical Instruments & Industrial Equipment
Spectral Output Lamp Type Matching Equipment Uptime
Specialty lighting supports inspection, imaging, exposure, and analytical workflows where output stability, wavelength range, and mechanical fit are non-negotiable. Proper selection depends on matching the lamp technology, wattage, base/connector, arc/filament design, and spectral output to your equipment specification.
Best suited for: microscopy, metrology, semiconductor and microelectronics inspection, analytical chemistry, UV exposure systems, laboratory imaging, and industrial scientific equipment.
Common specialty lighting applications:
- Microscopy illumination and imaging workflows
- Mask aligners, wafer inspection, and UV exposure systems
- Spectroscopy and analytical instrument light sources
- High-intensity inspection and precision measurement
- Replacement lamps to restore OEM performance and uptime
UV exposure / mercury sources
→ Short-arc mercury (HBO) lamps
Bright white light for imaging
→ Xenon short-arc lamps
Microscope halogen illumination
→ Tungsten halogen lamps (base-specific)
Selection Guide
How to choose the right replacement lamp
Specialty lamp selection is primarily a matching exercise: the correct lamp restores OEM performance, minimizes downtime, and protects optical assemblies. Use the guidance below to confirm compatibility.
Why correct lamp matching matters
A “close enough” lamp can cause instability, poor spectral output, heat issues, or mechanical fit problems. In microscopy and analytical systems, incorrect lamps can reduce image quality and measurement repeatability. In UV exposure applications, output differences can directly affect process results.
- Spectral output: impacts imaging, exposure, and analysis quality
- Mechanical fit: base type, arc position, and envelope size must match
- Power rating: correct wattage protects power supplies and housings
- Stability: supports repeatable measurements and long-term performance
Common mistakes to avoid
- Matching by wattage only (base, arc geometry, and spectrum still matter)
- Using non-equivalent “generic” lamps where OEM specs are required
- Ignoring ozone-producing vs. ozone-free lamp variants
- Handling lamps incorrectly (contamination, oils, or shock can shorten life)
Quick match: identify the correct lamp type
| Your equipment need | Typical lamp direction | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| UV exposure / high UV intensity | Short-arc mercury (HBO) | High UV output for exposure and curing applications |
| High-brightness imaging | Short-arc xenon (XBO) | Bright white output for microscopy and inspection |
| Microscope illumination | Tungsten halogen | Stable visible light with base-specific compatibility |
| Instrument-specific analytical source | OEM-specified specialty lamp | Designed to meet instrument performance requirements |
Best-practice lamp replacement and handling
- Confirm the exact part number: match lamp series, wattage, base, and variant
- Verify ozone requirements: select ozone-free versions when specified
- Handle with care: avoid fingerprints and contamination on the envelope
- Follow warm-up guidance: stability improves after proper warm-up cycles
- Track hours and replace proactively: prevent downtime in critical tools
For the fastest recommendation, be ready to share: equipment make/model, current lamp part number, wattage, and whether ozone-free is required.
Need help selecting?
Talk to a specialty lighting specialist
Email Sales@SOSsupply.com or call (214) 340-8574 for help matching the correct replacement lamp to your equipment.