The authors have used a flashlamp driven tunable dye laser as a radiation source for observing UV-C and UV-B action spectra of two eukaryotic microorganisms. The general nature of the irradiation system and various operating parameters are described. The laser produces the high power output required for UV-B action spectroscopy; it is tunable throughout the UV-B range with the very narrow bandwidth required for high resolution action spectra. The peak power density does not appear to reach the threshold of 'two photon' biological effects, a concern when using pulsed lasers for action spectroscopy. The laser is somewhat more expensive and considerably more difficult to operate compared with arc-monochrometer systems; it is generally equal or greater in UV-B power and has distinct advantages in tunability and bandwidth of the spectral output. (Copyright (c) 1983 Pergamon Press Ltd.)