The monitoring of UV sources is an important precautionary measure to avoid health hazards when handling short-wave radiation. In the case of water treatment, thorough monitoring is even prescribed in the regulations of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW). Silicon Carbide (SiC) detectors for respective applications are available from LASER COMPONENTS. The manufacturer ifw optronics GmbH from Jena, Germany, is one of the few companies worldwide that produces these components.
SiC photodiodes are particularly well suited for the detection of UV light. Their spectral sensitivity is limited to the range between 205 nm and 355 nm. Visible and long-wave radiation components therefore do not cause any disturbing “background noise”. Moreover, these photodiodes are particularly robust. Even high doses (up to 1000 W/m2) or use at high temperatures have only a minor influence on detector performance. They also feature an excellent long-term stability. Their detection range can be further limited by using appropriate filters.