Solar Light Measurement Systems

The sun and solar simulators have a broad output ranging from UVB up into the IR. Scroll down for our selection of solar / UV-B light meter systems.

The sun and solar simulators have a broad output ranging from UVB up into the IR. The bands of interest include UVB, UV-VIS and NIR. UVB is a band of ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths from 280-315 nanometers produced by the Sun. UVB refers to a specific portion of the sun’s energy reaching the earth’s surface.

This type of radiation accounts for only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum but it has an unusually large photo-biological effect. Both plants and animals are affected by increases in UVB radiation. UV radiation plays a role in the degradation of all polymeric materials as well as biological systems. It also acts as a germicide, a fungicide, and a bactericide in agriculture and biological systems. UVB radiation is responsible for a wide range of damaging human and animal health effects, primarily related to the skin (skin cancers), eyes (cataracts), and the immune system. Possible eye damage can result from high doses of UV light, particularly to the cornea which easily absorbs UV light. UVA/VIS though much less hazardous, also contributes to degradation and skin and eye hazard. Another contributor is the infrared (IR). IR is known to cause serious damage to the eyes, in particular the retina and the cornea.

IL offers specialized systems for testing Solar UVB with a billion-to-one VIS/IR rejection. This is critical for testing Solar UVB since nearly all of the sun's energy is in the longer wavelengths. Using the same radiometers included with the solar UVB system, different detectors, filters, optics and calibrations can be ordered for testing UVA, VIS, NIR and IR.