Natural pigment sensor for solar ultraviolet radiation measurement

D. Castillo; A. Sánchez; J. González; C. Chamba; Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan

doi:10.1117/12.2597616

1 August 2021 Natural pigment sensor for solar ultraviolet radiation measurement

D. Castillo, A. Sánchez, J. González, C. Chamba, Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan

Proceedings Volume 11810, Organic and Hybrid Sensors and Bioelectronics XIV; 118100E (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2597616
Event: SPIE Organic Photonics + Electronics, 2021, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The ultraviolet (UV) index is an international standard measure of the strength of solar ultraviolet radiation on the earth's surface at a specific place and time. Solar radiation with a high UV index can produce damage to the skin and eye (photoaging and photokeratitis). The levels of UV radiation are commonly detected using silicon-based optoelectronic sensors, which can be expensive. Here we propose a way to measure the UV index using natural organic pigments which fluoresce when exposed to UV radiation. In combination with an optical fiber, we have built a prototype sensor based on the pigment of turmeric or "Curcuma Longa". Curcuma longa fluoresces in the range of 500 to 680 nm when exposed to UV radiation. The system uses a filter to isolate the sunlight UV component. The sensor measures the variation in fluorescence intensity using a light dependent resistor to determine radiation levels and correlate it with the UV index. The sensor has been tested in Loja, Ecuador which is located at the equator (UV levels can reach up to 20.0 at the equator). When compared to a standard commercially available sensor (ML8511/LAPIS Semiconductor) this prototype has an error of ± 2.8%. We will describe the optical design and present measurements made with this novel inexpensive sensor.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

D. Castillo, A. Sánchez, J. González, C. Chamba, and Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan "Natural pigment sensor for solar ultraviolet radiation measurement", Proc. SPIE 11810, Organic and Hybrid Sensors and Bioelectronics XIV, 118100E (1 August 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2597616

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available