Does Black Light Really Exist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "black light," exploring whether it exists as a physical phenomenon or is merely a term used in specific contexts. Participants touch on various interpretations of the term, including its use in lighting technology and theoretical constructs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that blacklights emit near ultraviolet light and question the definition of "black light," suggesting that it may not exist as a distinct entity.
  • Others assert that black is the absence of light, implying that a "black light" would not be possible in a conventional sense.
  • One participant mentions the visual effects of black light in media, indicating that it can be perceived in altered images or color inversions.
  • A participant introduces the idea of a theoretical "beam of non-light" used in computer graphics, which subtracts light rather than adding it, suggesting a conceptual framework for understanding black light.
  • Another participant humorously claims that black light is made of "darkons," presenting a playful take on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the existence and definition of black light, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants' interpretations of "black light" vary significantly, with some focusing on practical applications in lighting technology and others exploring more abstract or theoretical notions. The discussion does not resolve the ambiguity surrounding the term.

DERRAN
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Hi I was just wondering if black light exists.
 
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Well, you get these lamps called 'blacklights' that emit nearly no visible light, but mostly in the near ultraviolet range.

I assume however that you didn't mean those...? If so, no there is no such thing as black light. Black light would be dark, which would be the lack of light.
 
Yes, I see it in pictures and movies upon making the color inversion.

Bob.
 
Black is no light at all, just turn off the lights :D
 
Nick89 said:
there is no such thing as black light

No black lightsabers for the darkside users anytime soon, then? :frown:
 
There's no black light in reality, but I know that computer scene-rendering software has an interesting type of beam of non-light that may fit the bill. Pixar has used it in the past. It has most of the properties of a normal beam of light except instead of adding light, it subtracts it. It makes for a very strange effect.
 
DERRAN said:
Hi I was just wondering if black light exists.
Certainly. Is made of "darkons" :biggrin:
 

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