UV applications & knowledge

The Opsytec knowledge section explains the physical principles and industrial applications of ultraviolet radiation. The articles cover UV radiation and its spectral ranges, radiometric and photometric quantities, UV measurement technology and calibration, radiation protection and exposure limits, UV LED technology, aging and photostability, disinfection and surface activation, and the relevant standards and calculation methods.

1. What is UV radiation?

The abbreviation "UV" stands for ultraviolet radiation. In everyday language it is often referred to as UV light, since light generally sounds more harmless than radiation.  By definition, however, radiation that the human eye perceives is called light. Therefore, strictly speaking, there is no UV light at all. [Basics of UV radiation]

2. UV calibration

We consistently rely on calibrated sensors. These are easily exchangeable, reorderable and provide high quality, absolute results. We trace our calibrations back to the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). [UV calibration and traceability]

3. UV Erythema

UV erythema, often referred to as sunburn, is a reddening of the skin caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People who work outdoors or are exposed to UV radiation at work are particularly at risk. This page provides comprehensive information on the causes, consequences and protective measures against UV erythema as well as recommended treatment strategies. [UV erythema at work]

4. Safety of UV disinfection of surfaces, air and human skin

The product safety of UV surface disinfection devices or air cleaning devices with UV disinfection is regulated by the maximum exposure duration, dose and by the Product Safety Act [Safety of UV disinfection]

5. UV spectra database and downloads

Here you will find a comprehensive collection of accurate and reliable spectral data of various UV light sources, measured in our state-of-the-art calibration laboratory. This database serves as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers who need detailed information on UV radiation sources. The spectra are freely accessible and measured according to the latest CIE standards. [To the UV spectra database]

6. Differences between UVA, UVB and UVC LED

UV LEDs offer numerous advantages over traditional mercury vapour lamps, such as higher efficiency, environmental friendliness and safety. This page explains the differences between UVA, UVB and UVC LEDs, their manufacture and specific applications in different industries. [UVA, UVB and UVC LEDs compared]

7. Ageing of UV lamps and UV LEDs

Here you will find detailed information on the ageing processes and service life of UV light sources. Find out which factors influence the efficiency and service life of these light sources and how you can monitor UV performance using precise measuring devices. [Ageing of UV lamps]

8. selection of suitable UV radiometer sensors & application notes

The application range of our UV sensors is manifold and reaches from process monitoring, risk assessment and occupational safety to medical applications of UV lamps and UV LEDs. The following information is intended to assist in the selection of suitable sensors. [Selecting suitable UV sensors]

9. UV-curing adhesives, coatings and potting compounds

Photopolymerization under UV light cures adhesives, coatings and potting compounds within seconds. The report covers free-radical and cationic systems, the process quantities wavelength, irradiance and dose, and the effect of fillers and layer thickness – with a referenced overview of commercially available products. [Report on UV-curing materials]

10. UV aging, color fastness and photostability

UV radiation makes plastics, coatings and textiles yellow, embrittle and fade. This article shows how that long-term effect can be reproduced under controlled conditions in days rather than years, and which test methods apply. [Testing UV ageing]

11. UV measurement for industrial printing

In UV printing, irradiance and dose determine adhesion, gloss and migration of the ink. Find out which quantities are measured in web and digital printing and how to keep the process window under control. [UV measurement in the printing process]

12. Surface cleaning and surface activation with UVC and ozone

UVC radiation and the ozone it generates remove organic contamination from surfaces and raise their surface energy before bonding, coating or wire bonding. Principles, process limits and suitable equipment are covered here. [Cleaning and activation with UVC and ozone]

13. Guidelines, norms and standards in UV

Which set of rules applies to product safety, workplace exposure limits, calibration or disinfection? This article sorts out the relevant standards and guidelines for UV applications. [Standards and guidelines at a glance]

14. UV FAQs

Short answers to the questions that keep coming up in day-to-day work with UV sensors and UV light sources – from choosing the right measurand to calibration intervals and spectral mismatch. [To the UV FAQs]

15. Markets and applications

From photocatalysis through disinfection to materials testing: this section sorts the application fields of optical radiation by industry and shows, for each of them, which quantity matters and how irradiation can be designed reproducibly. [To markets and applications]