Personal UV exposure dosimetry

The impact of UV radiation on the human skin not only enhances pigment production (tanning), but also causes erythema (skin injury, sun bum). There is a huge market for a small portable UV dosimeter that gives an indication when sunburn has to be anticipated. Whereas such a consumer product would have to be cheap and straightforward, serious UV-dosimetry remains quite a challenge. 

A medically reliable UV sensor should have a spectral responsivity that closely follows the erythemal curve between 390 nm and 290 nm. So far, a photodiode with this specific sensitivity has not been available. Modeling the erythema spectrum with the help of filters also delivered only poor results. In fact, most available sunburn detectors vary in their spectral responsivity and may therefore only be used as an indicator for the actual UV charge. 

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In Chapter 5.4, optical ultraviolet radiation sensors are described, including UV-enhanced silicon-based pn diodes, detectors made from other wide band gap materials in crystalline or polycrystalline form, the latter being a new, less costly alternative. Other domestic applications are personal UV exposure dosimetry, surveillance of sun beds, flame scanning in gas and oil burners, fire alarm monitors and water sterilization equipment surveillance. 

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