Bausch & Lomb 31-33-36 Microscope Fluorescent Blacklight Illuminator 8W 115V

Bausch & Lomb 31-33-36 Microscope Fluorescent Blacklight Illuminator 8W 115V

The Bausch & Lomb 31-33-36 is a freestanding fluorescent blacklight illuminator designed for use with Bausch & Lomb stereo microscopes and other lab applications requiring ultraviolet / blacklight illumination. It mounts on a weighted gray-painted cast base with an articulating arm that positions the lamp head over the work area at a range of angles. The unit uses two Westinghouse F4T5/BLB (Blacklight Blue) miniature fluorescent tubes, which emit longwave UV light suitable for fluorescence observation, specimen examination, and UV-reactive work. Note: the external ON/OFF switch is missing from this unit — please see photos.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Bausch & Lomb
• Catalog No.: 31-33-36
• Input voltage: 115V AC, 60 Hz
• Total power draw: 8 Watts
• Bulbs: 2× Westinghouse F4T5/BLB (Blacklight Blue), 4W each
• Lamp housing: articulating metal head with white-painted reflector interior
• Base: weighted cast metal, gray painted finish with B&L logo decal
• Power cord: included, two-prong plug
• CSA approved (visible on rating plate)
• Missing: external ON/OFF switch

Applications

Blacklight illuminators like the Bausch & Lomb 31-33-36 are used in microscopy and laboratory settings where longwave ultraviolet (UV-A) light is needed — for example, examining fluorescent-stained specimens, detecting fluorescent minerals or biological materials, authenticating documents, and inspecting UV-reactive substances. This type of accessory was a standard supplement to Bausch & Lomb's stereo microscope lines from the mid-20th century, providing a compact, bench-top UV source that could be aimed directly at the specimen stage. The F4T5/BLB tube format (a miniature T5 blacklight blue fluorescent lamp) remains a recognized standard for low-intensity UV illumination in lab and inspection work. Vintage Bausch & Lomb microscope accessories like this are still actively sought by users maintaining legacy B&L stereo microscope setups, as well as collectors of mid-century laboratory instruments.