Ultraviolet, or UV light has many types of applications and has an electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 10 to 400 nm.
Table of Contents
In terms of band, UV can be divided into 3- UVA, UVB & UVC
UV Light Band Functions
UVA
UVA wavelength lie between 315 to 400nm and is known as the long-wave black spot UV ray. Like 98 percent of our sun’s long wave UV rays, UVA can penetrate transparent glass and plastic.
UVB
UVB wavelength are somewhere between 280 to 315nm and is known as the medium-wave erythema. It’s shorter and can be absorbed by materials such as transparent glass. Only about 2 percent of our sun’s rays reach earth and is particularly strong in the afternoon and during summers.
UVC
UVC wavelength range from 200 to 280nm and is known as the short-wave sterilization wavelength. In terms of penetrating power it’s the weakest among the three, and all of it is absorbed by our planet’s ozone layer.
Why Test UV Intensity and Energy?
UV light sources are used in many different industrial applications but they have a common property.
Radiation intensity is decreased as use time is increased. Light duration and intensity of the radiation will have to be strictly controlled. A UV light meter is used to check the light source’s intensity for optimal results.
How To Measure UV Intensity and Energy
There are two solutions on how to measure a UV light’s energy and intensity- a UV Light Meter and a UV Dosimeter.
UV Light Meter
A UV light meter can be used to inspect the UV light source’s radiation intensity.
Different industries use UV radiation at different intensities, and as such special UV light meters have been created by manufacturers. Each device will have the same function- to check the light’s intensity.
UV Dosimeter
A UV dosimeter is a specialized equipment that can detect the dose and intensity of a germicidal lamp. It’s often used to check a UV germicidal lamp’s function.
