Optical Sensors & Detector – UV Photodetectors
UVB Photodetector – TOCON_B6
Precision UVB Photodetector with Integrated Amplifier for High-Irradiance UVB Measurement and Safety Applications
The TOCON_B6 from SGLUX GmbH is a rugged, SiC-based UVB photodetector with built-in amplifier, producing a linear 0-5 V output proportional to UVB + UVC irradiance. Specifically designed for higher UVB intensities, it offers a high saturation limit (~0.75 mW/cm²) at its peak wavelength of 280 nm, making it ideal for applications like environmental UVB monitoring, UV curing, sun-exposure safety systems, and industrial UV radiation control. The sensor is housed in a TO5 metal can with a diffusor for more uniform field response. Its visible rejection ensures minimal interference from UVA or visible light. TOCON_B6 provides reliable, stable measurement under challenging conditions, suitable for process control, photobiology, and safety systems.
Understanding UVB Photodetector - TOCON_B6
The TOCON_B6 employs a silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode paired with an integrated amplifier to deliver a direct 0-5 V signal proportional to UVB + UVC irradiance. Its spectral response is tuned with a peak responsivity at 280 nm, and its sensitivity across the 243-303 nm range ensures coverage of both UVB and UVC bands in many real‐world applications. The device supports relatively high irradiances up to ~0.75 mW/cm² before saturation, which accommodates strong UV sources such as industrial UV lamps or direct sun exposure. The TO5 housing with diffusor enhances field uniformity and mitigates directional bias. It is intended for stable performance in environmental, safety, and industrial UV measurement.
Technical Specifications
| Function | UVB + UVC photodetector with integrated amplifier |
| Detector Type | SiC photodiode + internal amplifier |
| Spectral Range (S = 0.1·Sₘₐₓ) | ~243 – 303 nm (UVB + UVC) |
| Peak Wavelength (λₘₐₓ) | ~ 280 nm |
| Output Signal | 0 – 5 V DC (linear with irradiance) |
| Saturation Limit (Max Irradiance) | ≈ 0.75 mW/cm² at 280 nm with diffusor housing |
| Resolution / Lower Limit | (not precisely given by published specs; likely orders of µW/cm² below saturation) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 … 5 V DC |
| Visible Blindness (rejection at >405 nm) | Very high (Sₘₐₓ/S @ >405 nm > 10) |
| Current Consumption | ~150 µA typical (T = 25°C) |
| Bandwidth (-3 dB) | ~15 Hz |
| Rise Time (10-90 %) | ≈ 0.062 s (≈62 ms) |
| Operating Temperature | –25 … +85 °C |
| Housing | TO5 metal can with diffusor |
| Output Connector | Standard TOCON, 0-5 V voltage output, wiring per SGLUX standard |
| Calibration | See factory or local calibration options; shipped typically un-calibrated or with relative calibration |
Key Features and Advantages
High Irradiance Capacity for UVB + UVC Bands
TOCON_B6 is designed to handle relatively strong UVB irradiance levels. With saturation around 0.75 mW/cm² at its peak wavelength of 280 nm, it can tolerate high UV sources such as UV lamps in curing, exposure to midday sun, or intense environmental UV for safety systems. This makes it well suited for applications where lower UVB sensors would saturate or not remain linear.
Selective UVB + UVC Sensitivity with Visible Rejection
While its spectral sensitivity covers the UVB + UVC range (~243-303 nm where the response is above 10% of peak), its design ensures strong rejection of longer wavelengths in UVA or visible spectrum. The visible rejection (Sₘₐₓ / S @ >405 nm > 10) ensures that ambient sunlight or visible lighting does not interfere significantly with measurements.
Integrated Amplification & 0-5 V Output
The detector includes its amplifier so that the output is directly 0-5 V proportionate to irradiance. This simplifies interfacing with controllers, DAQ systems, and safety systems. No external pre-amplifier required, reducing complexity and potential noise or error.
Moderate Speed & Bandwidth
With a bandwidth of ~15 Hz and rise time around 62 ms, the TOCON_B6 allows measurements of UVB variation on timescales compatible with many applications (e.g., safety monitoring, lamp flicker, environmental variation), though it is not for ultra-fast pulsed UV measurement.
Rugged Housing & Diffusor for Real-World Use
Encased in a TO5 metal can with diffusor, TOCON_B6 is built for durability, physical mounting, and more uniform angle of incidence. The diffusor helps to reduce directional sensitivity, making measurement more consistent in field or exposure setups.
Low Power & Broad Operating Range
Requiring only 2.5-5 V supply and consuming ~150 µA, it is suitable for portable systems, battery-powered devices, or embedded modules. It also remains stable over a wide operating temperature range (–25 to +85 °C), allowing deployment in outdoor or industrial conditions.
In summary, the TOCON_B6 balances strong UVB+UVC sensitivity, high irradiance tolerance, visible light rejection, and robust form factor — making it useful for safety, environmental, industrial, and regulatory applications.
Applications Across Industries
Environmental UVB Monitoring and Research
Used by environmental agencies to monitor UVB levels from solar irradiance, assess human exposure risk, and study ozone layer effects. Also useful in academic or climate research to correlate UVB flux with biological or ecological metrics.
Safety & Sun Exposure Warning Systems
For wearable or fixed sensors that trigger alerts when UVB intensity passes thresholds harmful to skin or eyes. Integrated into public space shelters, signage, or personal devices monitoring UV exposure.
UV-Curing & Material Processing
In industries such as printing, coatings, adhesives, or polymers which use UV lamps for curing processes. TOCON_B6 can monitor UVB component of lamp output to ensure correct dosage and consistent material properties.
Agricultural & Photobiology Use
Plants and microorganisms respond to UVB; controlling or measuring UVB exposure is important in greenhouse design, plant growth studies, or photobiology experiments (e.g. studying UV stress or photomorphogenesis).
Industrial UV Lamp Calibration and Maintenance
Used to check performance of UV lamps, detect output degradation over time, and ensure lamps are replaced or maintained appropriately. Useful in ensuring lamps still deliver required UVB + UVC.
Regulatory and Occupational Safety Compliance
Ensuring workplace UV exposure remains within allowed limits per standards. TOCON_B6 can form part of safety interlock systems or periodic exposure monitoring to demonstrate compliance.
Consumer Products & Outdoor Using Applications
Devices such as UVB exposure monitors, smart wearables, or applications that judge UVB hazard outdoors can be powered and integrated using this sensor, thanks to low power and simple interfacing.
Industrial Process Control & Automation
Embedded in control loops, feedback systems, or automation for UV-based treatments, material exposure, or sterilization systems where UVB component matters. The robust packaging and output signal make this sensor straightforward to deploy in such settings.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
As the authorized distributor for SGLUX in India, United Spectrum Instruments ensures reliable access to TOCON_B6 photodetectors with full technical support. We offer local calibration options traceable to national and international standards, ensuring accurate and certified performance. Our team assists with system integration, environmental testing, and compliance with safety regulations. We also supply mounting accessories, connectors, and after-sales support across India, ensuring you get both the hardware and the service needed for success in UVB measurement applications.
FAQs
What wavelength range does the TOCON_B6 cover?
Approx. 243-303 nm for >10% of peak response. Peak sensitivity at ~280 nm
What is the maximum irradiance it can reliably measure?
Up to ~0.75 mW/cm² (at 280 nm) before the output saturates.
Does visible or UVA light interfere with the readings?
Minimal — the sensor has strong visible rejection (Sₘₐₓ/S @ >405 nm > 10), so visible or UVA light contributes little to measurement error.
Can this sensor be used outdoors under sunlight?
Yes, though care must be taken: total UVB + UVC under direct sun plus reflection might approach its saturation limit. Also, diffuse housing helps, but angle, shading, and diffusor effects should be considered.
What kind of output interface and power does it require?
Standard 0-5 V DC output, powered from 2.5 to 5 V. Current draw is ~150 µA. Compatible with controllers, microcontrollers, PLCs, or DAQ systems.
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FAQs
What wavelength range does the TOCON_B6 cover?
Approx. 243-303 nm for >10% of peak response. Peak sensitivity at ~280 nm
What is the maximum irradiance it can reliably measure?
Up to ~0.75 mW/cm² (at 280 nm) before the output saturates.
Does visible or UVA light interfere with the readings?
Minimal — the sensor has strong visible rejection (Sₘₐₓ/S @ >405 nm > 10), so visible or UVA light contributes little to measurement error.
Can this sensor be used outdoors under sunlight?
Yes, though care must be taken: total UVB + UVC under direct sun plus reflection might approach its saturation limit. Also, diffuse housing helps, but angle, shading, and diffusor effects should be considered.
What kind of output interface and power does it require?
Standard 0-5 V DC output, powered from 2.5 to 5 V. Current draw is ~150 µA. Compatible with controllers, microcontrollers, PLCs, or DAQ systems.
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