Continuum sources and Line sources are the sources of
electromagnetic radiation.
Continuum sources:
- They emit radition over a broad range of wavelengths.
- Its intensity of emission differs slowly as a function of
wavelength.
Examples of Continuum sources are:
- Tungsten filament lamp (visible radiation)
- Heated solid ceramics (IR region)
- Deuterium lamp (UV radiation)
- Xenon arc lamp (UV-VIS region).
Line sources:
- They emit only a few discrete wavelengths of light.
- Its intensity is a function of wavelength.
Examples of Line Sources:
- Hollow cathode lamp (UV-VIS region)
- Sodium vapour lamp (UV-VIS region)
- Electrodeless discharge lamp (UV-VIS region)
- Lasers (UV-VIS and IR regions)