Double Monochromator Spectroradiometer Research Articles

Stray light correction of array spectroradiometer measurement in ultraviolet

For most of the array spectroradiometer, stray light is significant in UV band. Stray light correction of a UV array spectroradiometer is investigated using optical filters. If a group of filters with continuous bandpass are chosen, stray light contribution due to all the bands can be obtained using a numerical algorithm. The array spectroradiometer with the stray light corrected is used to measure the spectral irradiance of several UV lamps. The measurement results are compared to a double monochromator spectroradiometer. When xenon lamp is the array spectroradiometer calibration lamp, after stray light correction, the difference can be improved from nearly 10% to 2.0% in UVC band. When tungsten lamp is the calibration lamp, the difference can be improved from around 90% to less than 20%.

Stray light correction on array spectroradiometers for optical radiation risk assessment in the workplace

The European directive 2006/25/EC requires the employer to assess and, if necessary, measure the levels of exposure to optical radiation in the workplace. Array spectroradiometers can measure optical radiation from various types of sources; however poor stray light rejection affects their accuracy. A stray light correction matrix, using a tunable laser, was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As tunable lasers are very expensive, the purpose of this study was to implement this method using only nine low power lasers; other elements of the correction matrix being completed by interpolation and extrapolation. The correction efficiency was evaluated by comparing CCD spectroradiometers with and without correction and a scanning double monochromator device as reference. Similar to findings recorded by NIST, these experiments show that it is possible to reduce the spectral stray light by one or two orders of magnitude. In terms of workplace risk assessment, this spectral stray light correction method helps determine exposure levels, with an acceptable degree of uncertainty, for the majority of workplace situations. The level of uncertainty depends upon the model of spectroradiometers used; the best results are obtained with CCD detectors having an enhanced spectral sensitivity in the UV range. Thus corrected spectroradiometers require a validation against a scanning double monochromator spectroradiometer before using them for risk assessment in the workplace.

Spectral albedo of seasonal snow during intensive melt period at Sodankylä, beyond the Arctic Circle

Abstract. We have measured spectral albedo, as well as ancillary parameters, of seasonal European Arctic snow at Sodankylä, Finland (67°22' N, 26°39' E). The springtime intensive melt period was observed during the Snow Reflectance Transition Experiment (SNORTEX) in April 2009. The upwelling and downwelling spectral irradiance, measured at 290–550 nm with a double monochromator spectroradiometer, revealed albedo values of ~0.5–0.7 for the ultraviolet and visible range, both under clear sky and variable cloudiness. During the most intensive snowmelt period of four days, albedo decreased from 0.65 to 0.45 at 330 nm, and from 0.72 to 0.53 at 450 nm. In the literature, the UV and VIS albedo for clean snow are ~0.97–0.99, consistent with the extremely small absorption coefficient of ice in this spectral region. Our low albedo values were supported by two independent simultaneous broadband albedo measurements, and simulated albedo data. We explain the low albedo values to be due to (i) large snow grain sizes up to ~3 mm in diameter; (ii) meltwater surrounding the grains and increasing the effective grain size; (iii) absorption caused by impurities in the snow, with concentration of elemental carbon (black carbon) in snow of 87 ppb, and organic carbon 2894 ppb, at the time of albedo measurements. The high concentrations of carbon, detected by the thermal–optical method, were due to air masses originating from the Kola Peninsula, Russia, where mining and refining industries are located.

Ultraviolet Spectral Reflectance of Ceiling Tiles, and Implications for the Safe Use of Upper‐Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation can be used to prevent airborne transmission of infectious diseases. A common application is to irradiate upper-room areas, by passing air from the lower room into the irradiated zone. Well-designed systems do not expose people directly; however, some UV radiation may be reflected off ceiling tiles and wall paints into the lower room. Lower room exposure should be limited to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 6 mJ·cm(-2) of 254 nm radiation per day. To limit the lower room exposure, the reflectance of upper-room surfaces must not be high. The reflective properties of wall paints have been studied, but less is known about the UV reflectance of ceiling tiles. Using a double monochromator spectroradiometer and an integrating sphere reflectance attachment, the UV spectral reflectance of 37 ceiling tiles was measured from 200 to 400 nm. The reflectances varied from 0.020 to 0.822 in this range, and from 0.035 to 0.459 at 254 nm, the main wavelength emitted by upper room low-pressure mercury germicidal lamps. These data were then used to estimate an 8 h exposure based on several simplified workplace scenarios. The implications for workplace safety are then discussed.

First national intercomparison of solar ultraviolet radiometers in Italy

Abstract. A blind intercomparison of ground-based ultraviolet (UV) instruments has been organized for the first time in Italy. The campaign was coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency of Aosta Valley (ARPA Valle d'Aosta) and took place in Saint-Christophe (45.8° N, 7.4° E, 570 m a.s.l.), in the Alpine region, from 8 to 23 June 2010. It involved 8 institutions, 10 broadband radiometers, 2 filter radiometers and 2 spectroradiometers. Synchronized measurements of downward global solar UV irradiance at the ground were collected and the raw series were then individually processed by the respective operators on the base of their own procedures and calibration data. A radiative transfer model was successfully applied as an interpretative tool. The input parameters and output results are described in detail. The comparison was performed in terms of global solar UV Index and integrated UV-A irradiance against a well-calibrated double monochromator spectroradiometer as reference. An improved algorithm for comparing broadband data and spectra has been developed and is discussed in detail. For some instruments, we found average deviations ranging from −16 % up to 20 % relative to the reference and diurnal variations as large as 15 % even in clear days. Remarkable deviations were found for the instruments calibrated in the manufacturers' facilities and never involved in field intercomparison. Finally, some recommendations to the UV operators based on the campaign results are proposed.

Stray light correction for solar measurements using array spectrometers

A stray light matrix correction method for array spectrometers is presented that is specifically tailored for solar spectral measurements. A stray light distribution function based on a single laser line measurement is approximated by an analytical function using three parameters only. This function is the basis for the stray light correction matrix. One cutoff filter is then used to adjust an offset parameter such that stray light corrected data are spectrally flat and around zero below the cutoff wavelength. This parameter also accounts for the IR contribution and has to be adjusted individually for each type of spectrum. A solid validation is given by intercomparison of calibrated solar spectra with a double-monochromator spectroradiometer. An agreement of 5% for wavelengths down to 307 nm and solar zenith angle smaller than 70 degrees is achieved.

Colorimetry of LEDs with array spectroradiometers

Compact and cost-effective array spectroradiometers are increasingly used in photometric and radiometric measurements. In this report, results of the colorimetric characterisation of LEDs using both low-end and high-end array spectroradiometers are compared to those obtained with the help of a conventional scanning double-monochromator spectroradiometer. Problems related to the utilisation of the array spectroradiometers for such applications are discussed. Effects of the most important instrumental parameters, such as the stray light suppression and the bandpass irregularities, are also assessed. The comparison showed an agreement among the results provided by the different spectroradiometers within the typical uncertainty levels, even for the low-end devices.

Intercomparison of Instruments Used for Safety and Performance Measurements of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Lamps

Public health concerns such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, bioterrorism, pandemic influenza, and sick building syndrome have brought about increased interest in the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to prevent the spread of airborne infection. UVGI lamps require that radiometric measurements be performed to ensure their safe and effective use. This study evaluates 10 detectors that measure the ultraviolet radiation hazard of low-pressure mercury UVGI lamps, including a polychromator spectroradiometer, narrowband detectors designed to measure the ultraviolet radiation in a short range of wavelengths, and broadband detectors with a varying spectral response designed to follow the UV hazard action spectrum. The angular responses, spectral responses, and linearity of the detectors were measured and compared. The agreement between the measured angular responses and the ideal cosine responses varied widely among the detectors, and in general, the detectors with diffusing optics agreed significantly better with the ideal cosine response. The spectral responses at 254 nm also varied widely among the detectors, and, in general, the narrowband detectors agreed more closely with the 254 nm irradiances measured under the same conditions by a double monochromator spectroradiometer. All detectors displayed good linearity. The angular and spectral response data were then used to develop correction factors for the effective irradiance measurements of two UVGI sources, each measured at 10, 20, and 30 cm. The measured effective irradiances were compared with those measured by a double monochromator spectroradiometer with an integrating sphere input optic. Prior to correction, the effective irradiances measured by the detectors varied widely, ranging from 0.29 to 2.7 times those measured by the spectroradiometer. The application of cosine and spectral response correction factors significantly improved the agreement for the effective irradiances measured by all of the detectors, typically to within 10–20%. Awareness of these detector characteristics can play a key role in ensuring the accuracy of health hazard measurements of UVGI lamps.

Angstrom turbidity and ozone column estimations from spectral solar irradiance in a semi-desertic environment in Spain

Angstrom parameters are commonly used for modelling the solar radiation extinction by aerosols. Detailed knowledge of these parameters in as many places as possible is desirable since many applications need this kind of information: satellite products assessment, clear sky models benchmarking, spectral modelling, etc. Experimental determinations of the Angstrom turbidity and wavelength exponent have been made for a semi-desertic area in the south-east of Spain using a double monochromator spectroradiometer. Experimental measurements of direct-beam spectral irradiance have been made about every 20 min during one year (from october 2005 to september 2006). Angstrom turbidity has a noticeable variability during the year, showing a seasonal characteristic behaviour. Low turbidity values were found during autumn and winter and quite large values can be observed in spring and summer days. The eventual values of high turbidity with low wavelength exponent found could indicate Saharan dust outbreaks events. In addition, total ozone column have been experimentally estimated from spectral measurements in the Huggins absorption band. The results showed a general agreement with the values extracted from the TOMS web site.

Nine years of UV aerosol optical depth measurements at Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract. Spectral measurements of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the Ångström coefficient were conducted at Thessaloniki, Greece (40.5° N, 22.9° E) between January 1997 and December 2005 with a Brewer MKIII double-monochromator spectroradiometer. The dataset was compared with collocated measurements of a second spectroradiometer (Brewer MKII) and a CIMEL sun-photometer, showing correlations of 0.93 and 0.98, respectively. A seasonal variation of the AOD was observed at Thessaloniki, with AOD values at 340 nm of 0.52 and 0.28 for August and December respectively. Back trajectories of air masses for up to 4 days were used to assess the influence of long-range transport from various regions to the aerosol load over Thessaloniki. It is shown that part of the observed seasonality can be attributed to air masses with high AOD originating from North-Eastern and Eastern directions during summertime. The analysis of the long-term record (9 years) of AOD showed a downward tendency. A similar decreasing tendency was found in the record of the PM$_{10}$ aerosol measurements, which are conducted near the surface at 4 air-quality monitoring stations in the area of the city of Thessaloniki.

Quality assurance and quality control methodologies used within the Austrian UV monitoring network

The Austrian UVB monitoring network is operational since 1997. Nine detectors for measuring erythemally weighted solar UV irradiance are distributed over Austria in order to cover the main populated areas as well as different levels of altitude. The detectors are calibrated to indicate the UV-Index, the internationally agreed unit for erythemally weighted solar UV irradiance. Calibration is carried out in the laboratory for determination of spectral sensitivity of each detector, and under the sun for absolute comparison with a well-calibrated, double-monochromator spectroradiometer. For the conversion from detector-weighted units to erythemally weighted units a lookup table is used, which is calculated using a radiative transfer model and which reflects the dependence of the conversion on the solar zenith angle and total ozone content of the atmosphere. The uncertainty of the calibration is about +/-7%, dominated by the uncertainty of the calibration lamp for the spectroradiometer (+/-4%). The long-term stability of this type of detectors has been found to be not satisfactory. Therefore, routinely every year all detectors are completely recalibrated. Variations of the calibration factors up to +/-10% are found. Thus, during routine operation, several measures take place for quality control. The measured data are compared to results of model calculations with a radiative transfer model, where clear sky and an aerosol-free atmosphere are assumed. At each site, the UV data are also compared with data from a co-located pyranometer measuring total solar irradiance. These two radiation quantities are well correlated, especially on clear days and when the ozone content is taken into account. If suspicious measurements are found for one detector in the network, a well-calibrated travelling reference detector of the same type is set up side-by-side, allowing the identification of relative differences of approximately 3%. If necessary, a recalibration is carried out. As the main aim for the Austrian UV monitoring network is the information of the public about the actual levels of UVB irradiance, the measurement results are published on-line in the Internet (http://www.uibk.ac.at/projects/uv-index). For the previous day and backwards approximately 2 years, the distribution of maximal UVB levels over Austria is shown on a regional map. Additionally, near real-time data of most of the measurement stations are presented with a delay of usually less than half-an-hour. Together with these actually measured data there is also shown the diurnal variation of the maximal expected value of the UV-Index under ideal clear conditions.

13.2: A Photon Counting Detector Used for Precision Measurement of Displays

AbstractThis paper describes a double monochromator spectroradiometer with a photon counting detector. The system captures spectroradiometric data with near perfect linearity over six decades of intensity and with wavelength uncertainties of under 0.05 nm. It enables very accurate measurement of spectral radiance data from small areas of displays and thus calculation of luminance, chromaticity and small area contrast.

Evaluation of a single-monochromator diode array spectroradiometer for sunbed UV-radiation measurements

The suitability of a new technology single-monochromator diode array spectroradiometer for UV-radiation safety measurements, in particular for sunbed measurements, was evaluated. The linearity, cosine response, temperature response, wavelength scale, stray-light and slit function of the spectroradiometer were determined and their effects on the measurement accuracy evaluated. The main error sources were stray-light and nonideal cosine response, for which correction methods are presented. Without correction, the stray-light may reduce the accuracy of the measurement excessively, particularly in the UV-B range. The expanded uncertainty of the corrected UV measurements is estimated to be 14%, which is confirmed with the comparative measurements carried out with a well-characterized double-monochromator spectroradiometer. The measurement accuracy is sufficient for sunbed measurements, provided that all corrections described above have been done and the user of the instrument has a good understanding of the instrument's operating principles and potential error sources. If these requirements are met, the tested spectroradiometer improves and facilitates market surveillance field measurements of sunbeds.

Multichannel moderate-bandwidth filter instrument for measurement of the ozone-column amount, cloud transmittance, and ultraviolet dose rates

A six-channel moderate-bandwidth filter instrument for measurement of UV and visible radiation has been developed. The characteristic of the instrument are described, including the spectral and the angular responses. Furthermore the calibration procedure is outlined. Combining information from several channels, one may determine the total ozone-column amount, various biological dose rates, a cloud transmission factor, and the effective cloud optical depth. The methods used to determine these parameters are presented, and the measured parameters are compared with similar ones obtained from other instruments. The total ozone as measured by the instrument agrees with measurements from a standard Brewer to -0.05% +/- 2.04% over a two-year period. Two weeks of cloudless Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage dose rates agree with those from a Bentham double monochromator spectroradiometer to 0.99 +/- 0.03.

Penetration of solar radiation into the water column of the central subtropical Atlantic Ocean—optical properties and possible biological consequences

The optical properties of the waters as well as the penetration of both solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were analyzed at different stations of the central subtropical Atlantic Ocean during the AZORES II cruise of the research vessel ‘‘Hesperides’’ in April 1999 to assess the impact of solar UVR on microorganisms populating highly transparent oceanic waters. The investigation was based on direct spectral measurements of the scalar and downward-solar irradiance between 290 and 750 nm at different depths using a temperature-stabilized double monochromator spectroradiometer (Optronic, type 754) with a highly sensitive 4p sensor connected to the entrance slit by a 20-m quartz fiber cable. In addition, the Secchi depth was measured, and water samples of different depths at each station were analyzed to determine the concentration and optical properties of phytoplankton as well as attenuating substances such as seston and gelbstoff in the column. Using the spectral irradiance data at different depths as well as the vertical irradiance profiles at different wavelengths, the following parameters were calculated: the spectral attenuation coefficients, the spectral depths of penetration to 1% of the subsurface value (‘‘1% depths’’), the 1% depths for the ranges UV-B, UV-A and PAR, as well as the water type in the Jerlov system of optical classification. The optical properties of the waters investigated can be classified into the oceanic types OI–OII in the Jerlov system, which are characterized by very small concentrations of seston and of gelbstoff, which are the main absorbers for UV radiation in natural waters. The Secchi depths varied between about 15 m (type OII) to about 45 m (type OI) showing ratios to the 1% depths of PAR of about 0.21 to about 0.31. Values of the same order were found for the depths of the maximal concentration of chlorophyll a, which varied between 45 and 100 m during midnight and between 70 and 110 m during noon, showing also significant increases with increasing transparency of the waters. In contrast, the 1% depths for the penetration of solar UV irradiance were found between 12 and 19 m (type OII) and between 26 and 31 m (type OI) for UV-B whereas their values ranged for UV-A between 29 and 65 m (type OII) and between 55 and 93 m (type OI). Thus, solar UV-B penetrates up to about 25% of the photic zone in these waters whereas for UV-A about 75–93% were found. So, solar UVR may significantly affect both the photosynthetic activity by photoinhibition as well as the composition of the kind of species populating different depths of the column by further effects such as DNA damage and inhibition of motility. The role of UVR as a selection factor is shown by a strong absorption peak in the UV range of the water samples, which occurred only when the organisms

PENETRATION OF SOLAR UV IRRADIATION IN COASTAL LAGOONS OF THE SOUTHERN BALTIC SEA AND ITS EFFECT ON PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES

Abstract Direct measurements of solar UV irradiance at the surface and in the water column were made in several coastal lagoons near the islands of Hiddensee and Rügen in spring and summer 1993 using an internally frosted quartz sphere at the end of a 10 m quartz fiber cable connected to a double monochromator spectroradiometer. The measurements showed a nearly uniform vertical distribution of the absorption coefficient in the whole water column due to effective mixing, shallow depths and little temperature and salinity density stratifications. There was an increase in the absorption coefficient at 310 nm from 5 m−1 in the outer lagoons to 12 m−1 in the open inner lagoons and up to 29 m−1 in the inner lagoons without water exchange with the Baltic Sea as a result of different amounts of UV‐absorbing substances such as yellow substance (Gelbstoff) and seston. Depending on the specific concentration of the absorbents, the solar UV‐B irradiance decreases to 1% after penetration into the water column between 0.2 m (inner lagoons without water exchange), 0.4 m (inner lagoons with water exchange), and 1 m (outer lagoons), whereas UV‐A penetrates on the order of several meters. As phytoplankton populates the top layers of the water column it may be affected by increased solar UV irradiation even in these turbid coastal waters.