Imaging with ultra violet light

Understanding UV light 

Ultraviolet (UV) light accounts for 10% of the sun’s total output, but is completely invisible to the human eye. There are three ranges of UV wavelengths, classified as: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The lowest wavelengths of UV light (100-280nm) are heavily obscured by the atmosphere.

For imaging purposes, UVB (280 – 320nm) and UVA (320 – 400nm) are the common wavelengths that are imaged. Even if UVC light were able to reach a camera sensor, the silicone in the sensor reacts less and less as the wavelength of light decreases in the UV spectrum.

Like UVC, some UVB is partially blocked by the atmosphere. However, it is more difficult to detect with a camera than UVA. The most common wavelengths of UV light that can be imaged are in the UVA spectrum. 95% of the sun’s UV radiation that reaches the earth is UVA light, with UVB being the remainder.

For more information on imaging with UV light and how it can benefit your application, please contact Teledyne Lumenera’s imaging experts. They can also help with selecting the cameras to best meet your requirements. Reach out at info@lumenera.com.

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Source and Photo: Lumenera

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