Find A Lever Or Switch In The Dark

[Mmm786]

Hi I am stuck writing a novel. The protagonist is stuck outside a building being chased by the bad guys. He already tried to get into the building during the day but there was no way in. There are no doors windows or anything. My idea was he sees a lever or switch using a uv torch he is carrying but is this scientifically possible? Can anyone think of a better solution? The important thing is they are able to get in because it's night if that makes sense. Any help would be much appreciated. Max

[GAHD]

lots of things do glow under UV light. So, sure, why not.

https://geology.com/articles/fluorescent-minerals/

WHY the lever would glow needs some contrivance; weather it's because it was used by someone covered in some fluorescent dust before and they left a hand-print, or contains some of the right impurities in the concrete or stucco or whatever.

[Mmm786]

Great thanks for the response. What other things glow under UV lights?

[GAHD]

That's a good question!

[Mmm786]

The fluroscent mineral idea sounds good. One of the bricks could be made out of such mineral. Although it looks the same as the other bricks to the naked eye it's a different colour under a UV torch? Is that plausible?

[sanctus]

What about instead of UV torch, a heat sensor (infrared?) and the switch having a current and hight resistance is actually warmer?

[Mmm786]

The building is in the middle of a desert so I think heat sensor is probably out the question. So I'm thinking the UV torch shows up a slight difference in one of the bricks and they find it's a hidden control panel to gain entry. How's that sound?

[sanctus]

Why? Deserts are freaking cold at night, so heat sensor would work like a charm

[Mmm786]

What is an infra red heat sensor? I want it so it can't be detected by the naked eye. Does make sense though its colder in the night so could work if it's plausible the protagonist would carry a heat sensor. What u guys think?