Measuring UV radiation involves detecting and quantifying the energy from ultraviolet light. Here are common ways UV radiation is measured:
1. UV Radiometers or UV Sensors
- These devices have sensors (photodiodes or photomultiplier tubes) sensitive specifically to UV wavelengths.
- They convert UV light intensity into electrical signals that can be measured and calibrated to give UV irradiance (usually in units like watts per square meter, W/m²).
- Some radiometers are designed for specific UV ranges, like UV-A (320–400 nm), UV-B (280–320 nm), or UV-C (100–280 nm).
2. Spectroradiometers
- These are more advanced instruments that measure the intensity of UV radiation across different wavelengths.
- They provide a detailed spectrum of UV light, showing how much energy is present at each wavelength.
- Used in research and monitoring atmospheric UV levels.
3. Chemical and Biological Dosimeters
- Chemical dosimeters use substances that change color or chemically react when exposed to UV radiation. The amount of change correlates to the UV dose.
- Biological dosimeters involve materials sensitive to UV, like certain bacteria or DNA samples, whose changes indicate UV exposure.
4. Satellite-based Sensors
- Satellites equipped with UV sensors monitor UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface globally.
- These data are used for environmental monitoring and forecasting UV index values.
5. UV Index Measurement
- The UV Index is a standardized scale derived from measurements to indicate the potential for skin damage from UV radiation.
- It’s calculated from ground-based or satellite data and widely used in public health advisories.