Related Experiment Videos
A solar erythemal (sunburn) radiation dosimeter
1Physics and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
A new, inexpensive solar erythemal radiation dosimeter was developed using alkyl disulphide photocleavage. This device provides a linear measurement of ultraviolet radiation dose, overcoming previous technical challenges.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Radiometry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Measuring solar erythemal radiation is challenging due to high background radiation.
- Existing methods may suffer from non-linearities and inner filtering effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design an inexpensive and accurate dosimeter for solar erythemal radiation.
- To overcome the technical difficulties in measuring biologically relevant UV radiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the photocleavage of alkyl disulphide in a hydrocarbon solvent.
- Employed a reaction that avoids polysulphide formation and inner filtering.
Main Results:
- The developed dosimeter is inexpensive and technically feasible.
- The amount of alkylthiol produced showed a linear relationship with the received erythemal radiation dose.
- Avoided non-linearities caused by inner filtering effects.
Conclusions:
- The novel dosimeter offers a reliable and linear measurement of solar erythemal radiation.
- This design presents a cost-effective solution for UV radiation monitoring.