Ushio USH-102D - 100W 20V Short Arc Mercury Lamp for Microscopy and UV Curing
The Ushio USH-102D is a short-arc mercury lamp designed to provide high luminance and arc stability in critical applications such as fluorescence microscopy and UV curing . Manufactured by Ushio under strict ISO quality processes , it incorporates an optimized electrode design that improves arc positioning and contributes to a typical lifespan of 200 hours . It operates at 100 W with 20 V DC (nominal current around 5 A ) and features a 0.5 mm arc gap , 43 mm LCL , and a 10 mm diameter bulb in a 90 mm overall length. The recommended working position is vertical ±15° , with forced cooling and constant power control.
In terms of photometry, the official data sheet indicates a representative total luminous flux of 3000 lm ; various distributors publish ~2200 lm as the average value for continuous use. Thanks to its dual-terminal geometry with SFa7.5-2 (anode) and SFa9-2 (cathode) bases, the USH-102D is integrated into numerous 100 W systems from brands such as Olympus , Leitz , and Zeiss that use HBO/USHIO mercury vapor lamps of this wattage.
Main features
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Type: High pressure short arc mercury lamp (UV/visible).
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Power and supply: 100 W; 20 ± 4 V DC; nominal current approx. 5 A; max. current 7 A.
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Average lifespan: 200 h (continuous mode, with power control).
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Luminous flux: 3000 lm (representative value from technical data sheet); typical operating values published by distributors: ~2200 lm.
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Geometry and dimensions: arc spacing 0.5 mm; LCL 43 mm; diameter 10 mm; total length 90 mm; weight 12 g.
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Bases: SFa7.5-2 (anode) and SFa9-2 (cathode); transparent bulb.
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Working position: vertical ±15°; forced cooling required .
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Equipment requirements: current ripple ≤3% (pp), trigger voltage ≥3 kV DC and open circuit supply voltage ≥80 V; max. temperature at base 200 °C and of bulb 650–750 °C.
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Manufacturing quality: improved electrodes and controlled production in ISO certified plants.
Product benefits
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Very stable arc that promotes homogeneous lighting and repeatable results in fluorescence.
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Direct integration into standard 100W lamp holders with SFa bases, simplifying replacement.
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High UV performance for exciting common fluorophores and photopolymerization processes.
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Less maintenance thanks to its average lifespan of 200 years and the robustness of the quartz bulb.
Compatibilities and equivalencies
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Verified compatibilities (examples): Olympus BH2RFL/BHRFL , IMT2RFL (ref. 8B192); Leitz LH100Z/LH102Z (ref. 500-138); Zeiss Axiolab/Axioskop/Axioplan/Axiophot and references 3800-18-4060, among others (always check the lamp holder and power supply of the equipment).
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Usual equivalent: Osram HBO 100W/2 for 100W systems with the same bases and electrical requirements.
Use cases
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Fluorescence microscopy in research, teaching and quality control.
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Spot UV curing and through light guides in laboratory and industry.
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Analytical instrumentation and optical metrology (comparators, inspection).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace an HBO 100W/2 with a USH-102D? In many systems, yes. Always check the sockets (SFa7.5-2/SFa9-2), the vertical operating position ±15°, and that the power supply delivers 20V DC with low ripple and turn-on capability (≥3 kV and ≥80 V open circuit).
Handling precautions? Do not touch the quartz with your hands, wear gloves and goggles; ensure ventilation and forced cooling; manage the waste, as it contains mercury, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Project description
Ushio USH-102D Short Arc Mercury Lamp: Power 100 W; Voltage 20 ± 4 V DC; Rated current approx. 5 A (max. 7 A); Representative total luminous flux 3000 lm; Average life 200 h; Arc gap 0.5 mm; Diameter 10 mm; Total length 90 mm; LCL 43 mm; Weight 12 g; Bases SFa7.5-2 (anode) and SFa9-2 (cathode); Working position vertical ±15°; Current ripple ≤3 % pp; Trigger voltage ≥3 kV DC; Open circuit supply voltage ≥80 V; Clear bulb; Requires forced cooling.
