OSRAM HBO 50W/3 - Reflectorless Short Arc Mercury Lamp for Microscopy and UV Curing

OSRAM HBO 50W/3 - Reflectorless Short Arc Mercury Lamp for Microscopy and UV Curing

The OSRAM HBO 50W/3 is a short-arc , double-ended mercury vapor lamp designed for scientific and industrial applications requiring a high-luminance point source with a broad visible and ultraviolet spectrum . Its DC operation, rated at 50W and with a voltage range of 20–26V , provides stable emission, ideal for fluorescence microscopy , UV curing , and fiber optic illumination . Without an integrated reflector, it allows for the integration of equipment-specific optics, optimizing coupling to light guides or epi-illumination modules.

With a nominal luminous flux of 1300 lm and a luminous intensity of 150 cd , this lamp provides high irradiance at the focal point. It boasts a luminous efficacy of 26 lm/W and a nominal lifespan of 200 h . Geometrically, it features a diameter of 9.0 mm , an overall length of 52.0 mm , a mounting length of 47.0 mm , and a Light Center Length (LCL) of 22.0 mm . The design, with an SFa8-2 anode and an SFa6-2 cathode, is intended for operation in the S45 burn-in position (anode down) , ensuring arc stability and consistent photometric performance.

Main features

• Type: Short arc mercury lamp, double socket, without reflector.
• Power and supply: 50 W, 20–26 V DC, lamp current 1.9–2.5 A.
• Emission: Multilinear spectrum with high radiation in UV and visible.
• Photometry: 1300 lm, 150 cd, ~26 lm/W (initial nominal/typical values).
• Compact geometry: Ø 9.0 mm; Total length 52.0 mm; Mounting length 47.0 mm; LCL 22.0 mm.
• Standardized bases: Anode SFa8-2 / Cathode SFa6-2.
• Working position: s45 (anode down) for arc stability.
• Durability: Nominal life 200 h.

Product benefits

• High luminance and radiance with intense point source for efficient fluorescent excitation.
• Broad UV-visible spectrum covering key mercury lines for selective filtering.
• Arc stability that improves measurement repeatability and image quality.
• Reflectorless format that facilitates optical coupling to specific systems and fibers.
• Standardized dimensions that simplify replacement in compatible equipment.

Use cases

• Fluorescence microscopy in clinical, research and quality control laboratories.
• UV curing of adhesives, coatings, photopolymerization and laboratory processes.
• Fiber optic lighting in medical equipment and inspection systems.
• Solar simulation and analysis applications where mercury spectral lines are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it need a ballast or specific power supply? Yes, it requires a DC constant current/power supply compatible with the 20–26 V and 1.9–2.5 A range.
• What is the correct installation position? s45 with the anode facing downwards to maintain arc stability.
• Does it include a reflector? No. It is a lamp without a reflector , designed for equipment optics or fiber optic couplings.
• When should it be replaced? When it reaches its nominal life of 200 hours or if a drop in irradiance/stability is observed.
• Is it compatible with my equipment? Please check the instrument manufacturer's manual: base SFa8-2/SFa6-2, power 50 W and geometry/LCL must match.

Safety and handling instructions

• Operate only in enclosed housings and systems designed for high-pressure mercury lamps.
• The lamp emits UV ; use appropriate protection and avoid direct exposure.
• Do not touch the quartz bulb with your hands; handle with clean gloves to avoid contamination.
• Due to high internal pressure when hot, allow to cool before handling and follow the equipment instructions.
• At the end of its life, manage as mercury waste through an authorized manager according to local regulations.

Project description

Reflectorless short-arc mercury lamp, double-ended: 50 W , 20–26 V DC , current 1.9–2.5 A ; 1300 lm , 150 cd , efficacy 26 lm/W ; bases SFa8-2 (anode) and SFa6-2 (cathode) ; burn-in position s45 ; dimensions: Ø 9.0 mm , total length 52.0 mm , mounting length 47.0 mm , LCL 22.0 mm ; rated life 200 h .