UV Cameras

UV cameras have image sensors that detect light in the ultraviolet (UV) range. UV light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is shorter than that of visible light, but longer than that of an X-ray. Specifically, UV light covers a range from 10 nm to 400 nm, and from 3 eV to 124 eV. Typically, UV cameras are used in metrology, semiconductor quality control, nanoparticle measurement, bio label imaging, and corona detection. In industrial applications, UV cameras are used as monitoring equipment to spot defects. In scientific applications, ultraviolet cameras are used as imagers.

UV cameras work like other video cameras, but are sensitive to the light in the ultraviolet part of the radiomagnetic spectrum. Some products are also sensitive to X-rays, smaller wavelength light in the 10 to 0.01-nm range. When selecting a UV camera, the device’s image sensor is important to consider. Specifications include image sensor type, array type, optical format, horizontal pixels, vertical pixels, and pixel size. There are two image sensor types: color and monochrome. Choices for array type include linear array, frame transfer area array, full frame area array, and interline transfer area array. Typically, the optical format for UV cameras is measured in inches.

Selecting UV cameras requires an analysis of image-sensor performance specifications. Parameters include spectral response, data rate, quantum efficiency, dynamic range, and number of outputs. Spectral response is the spectral range or wavelength range for which the image detector is designed. Data rate is measured in megahertz (MHz) and represents the speed of the data-transfer process. Quantum efficiency, a value that is wavelength dependent, is the ratio of photon-generated electrons that the pixel captures to photons incident on the pixel area. Dynamic range is the logarithmic ratio of well-depth to readout noise, as measured in decibels (dB). UV cameras also differ with regard to the number of outputs.

There are many different types of UV cameras. Examples include metrology cameras, semiconductor cameras, nanoparticle cameras, and corona detection cameras. Ultraviolet cameras for bio label imaging are also available. Depending upon the application, UV cameras may be equipped with thermo-electrical cooling, a technique that uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two different types of materials. Low-light UV cameras and lightweight products are also available.

• Methodology for Predictive Maintenance Using UV Cameras
  Ofil has gathered case studies from its worldwide customers and used them to draw a flowchart for UV-camera operators. Mastering thermography (IR) is not enough when doing UVigraphy (UV inspection),...
  (read more)
• Advancing High Voltage Electrical Surveys
  Technology miniaturization has enabled significant advancements in high-voltage electrical surveying. A solar-blind ultraviolet image can be overlaid onto infrared or a solar-blind ultraviolet image...
  (read more)
• What is Thermography?
  Thermography or thermal imaging, refers to the process of recording the emission or existence of thermal or infrared radiation (heat), by employing the use of a thermal imaging device or infrared...
  (read more)

Pages: 1 - 3 of 285