UV100N Spectral UV Meter
Versatile and Visual Lab-Grade UV measurement
Modern-day industrial wafer processing, polymer curing, medical sterilization and UV bulb production using UV light require more versatile, accurate spectral measurement devices to make sure UV light is used efficiently and optimally for light-critical applications.
UV100N Spectral UV Meter
Photo by Arturo Castaneyra at Unsplash
UV100N Spectral UV Meter
Introduction.
The UV100N Spectral UV meter is designed to measure the quantity and quality of ultraviolet light used in various applications such as UV light manufacturing, industrial wafer processing, polymer curing, and medical sterilization.
They employ different types of UV light including:
- UVA (320-400nm)
- UVB (280-320nm)
- UVC (100-280nm)
UV100N UV measurement
Specs at-a-glance
Specs at-a-glance | ||
---|---|---|
Spectrum | ||
Sensor | CMOS Linear Image Sensor | |
Wavelength Range | 250 to 400 nm | |
Wavelength Data Increment | 1 nm | |
Spectral Bandwidth | Approximately 1 nm (Half Bandwidth) | |
Wavelength Reproducibility | ±0.8nm | |
Measurement Range | UVxA *1,4 : 315 to 400nm / 0.25 to 500 mW/cm2 UVB *2,4 : 280 to 315nm / 0.3 to 200 mW/cm2 UVC *3,4: 250 to 280nm / 0.2 to 300 mW/cm2 | |
Accuracy | ±10% | |
Stray Light | -25 dB max.*5 | |
Integration Time Range | 1 ms to 2,000 ms | |
Digital Resolution | 16 bits | |
Features | ||
Capture Function | One-time / Continuous | |
Operation Mode | Standalone | |
Integration Mode | Auto / Manual | |
Dark Calibration | Auto | |
Measuring Modes |
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Measuring Capabilities |
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Footnotes * |
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The problem with measuring UV light.
Unlike general lighting, the ultraviolet light industry lacks established specifications and global or industry standards. This has resulted in varying features and requirements for UV light applications including:
- Wide range of wavelengths
- Various industrial procedures
- Specific material quantum properties
- Variable light intensities
- Different UV processing durations
Therefore, today’s UV measuring devices must be flexible and adaptable while maintaining uncompromising accuracy.
Misunderstandings about what is UV light.
UV or ultraviolet light is often mistaken for visible “violet” light. However, most of UV light range exists below visible light (less than 380nm) and is not detectable by human vision.
This seemingly simple misunderstanding does exist in the market and adds to the confusion about what really is a UV light source.
Ultraviolet Light Spectrum -Zedh-&-Gringer-CC-SA-3.0
Challenges facing UV Light Industry
As we mentioned, UV applications are varied and unregulated with complications.
- Variability wavelength requirements – Applications like UV light “curing” or “hardening” of polymer-like materials require different wavelengths of UV light depending on the polymer material’s molecular properties, requiring a flexible UV wavelength light measuring device.
- Inadequate Filter Based UV Meters – Filter-based UV meters, which are 80% of the UV meter market, are incapable of accurate measurement for modern day applications. Also, they must purchase and change out auxilliary sensors to measure different wavelengths. Finally, these meters only give “numerical” data (no spectrum).
- Impractical High-end scientific Instrumentation – These devices are used in research centers and are very accurate, but they are also bulky, slow, expensive, and not suitable for production lines or ad hoc measurements.
- Insufficient Energy Stability and quality – Lesser quality UV light sources sometimes have insufficient and unstable intensity. If your UV light source is deficient, this may lead to unreliable or inconsistent results in UV applications.
- Limited UV light lifespan – UV light sources have a limited lifespan due to the consistently high energy coursing through a UV light. This is a slow degradation in the light requiring periodic monitoring.
Introducing the UV100N Spectral UV Meter
The UV100N is a Spectral UV light source measurement device designed to address the shortcomings in the current UV light measurement market. Compared to traditional filter-based UV meters, they save time, are more accurate, and are easier to use.
Here are the prominent features of the UV100N:
- Handheld, portable
- Single multi-wavelength probe
- Spectral graph
- Lab-grade accuracy
It is a handheld device, which makes it flexible for production lines or ad hoc spot-checking. It can be easily carried from factory to office to customer sites or to exhibitions.
UV100N Spectral UV Meter
It has a single multi-wavelength probe, eliminating the need for multiple probes. It is suitable for manufacturing UV light sources in production lines.
The sensor unit is designed smaller and thinner (~20mm) than the base unit to allow measurement in spatially restricted situations or awkward angles.
20cm and 30cm sensor cables are available for scanning long UV strip lights to ensure consistency across the light.
UV100N Single Sensor for Multiple Wavelengths
The spectral graph provides a much-needed visual perspective about UV light characteristics, providing quick assessment, and the ability to correlate with numerical data for validation and troubleshooting.
Both spectral graph and numerical data are easily preserved to Micro SD Card storage for later retrieval, statistical and trend analysis using Excel or other software.
Accuracy is paramount to UV measurement in modern applications, as UV wavelengths are measured within single-digit nanometers. The UV100N is similar to high-end laboratory instrumentation and employs a diffraction grating to separate constituent UV wavelengths. Traditional Filter-type UV meters use “filters” which are much less accurate.
The difference is with the range of measurement called half bandwidth – the smaller, the better. A diffraction spectrometer (UV100N) can measure down to range of 1nm wavelength. A filter type can be anywhere from 5-20 nm, and when you have that large a gap, you might be distorting the measurement of a single wavelength with other wavelengths within that range.
UV100N Spectral Graph
UV100N, a single device for everything UV measurable.
UV light sources and applications are many and, for the most part, are unregulated. This presents varying requirements and challenges for a UV market demanding higher quality, accuracy, stability, and reliability.
Traditional filter-based UV meters are insufficient for measuring modern-day UV light-critical, multi-wavelength applications like Curing, Sterilization, or industrial wafer processing.
The UV100N was designed to fill the void, providing companies with an adaptable, convenient, and visual device that gives them high confidence in a Lab-grade device for delivering a high-end UV-related measurement for any application.
UV100N Spectral UV Meter
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About UPRtek
United Power Research and Technology
UPRtek (est. 2010) is a manufacturer of portable, high-precision light measurement instruments; Handheld Spectrometers, PAR meters, Spectroradiometers, Light Calibration Solutions.
UPRtek HQ, R&D and manufacturing are all based out of Taiwan, with Worldwide representation through our certified Global Resellers.
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