UV-C, also known as germicidal ultraviolet radiation, has been an established means of disinfection for many years, but due to the developments surrounding COVID-19, there has been a renewed interest in this subject. The use of UV-C for germicidal irradiation is often shortened to UVGI and is often used to successfully disinfect objects, water and even to help stop the spread of various pathogens, including viruses. Various tests are being performed to prove UV-C’s effects on the novel Corona viruses, though scientists have not yet been able to confirm them. With this increase in interest in UVGI comes a boost in the number of (sometimes less- than-reputable) sellers bringing germicidal UV light sources to the market.
Spectroradiometry can be utilized to quantify the output of a UV light source. UV radiometers provide the quantitative measurement of light sources emitting electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 100-400 nm. UV radiation is divided into three separate wavelength ranges: UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-C, or germicidal UV (100-280 nm) with peak effectiveness in the 265-270 nm range.
Avantes offers compact, affordable spectrometers for detection in the ultraviolet range of 200-400 nm. To create a complete setup, a cosine corrector or integrating sphere can be included. We offer radiometric calibration using a NIST-traceable source in our in-house calibration lab. In combination with our AvaSoft software, you can easily measure the output of any UV light source.
For more information on UV-C quantification, please contact one of our knowledgeable sales engineers today.