Abstract

Spectral responsivity changes in UV detectors as a result of exposure to short wavelength light is a serious concern in many areas of radiometry. Although this effect has been most prominently noted in many popular silicon detectors, there is little published data. Despite recent improvements in detector technology and manufacture, it has been observed that some deterioration of spectral responsivity still occurs due to radiation exposure in the UV region. We have undertaken a study of this effect to quantify some of the changes. This paper will present the initial results of our study, covering a variety of commercially-available detectors exposed to a range of levels of broadband UV radiation. The study aims to examine the stability of a variety of present detection modalities and, therefore, incorporates standard technology such as photodiodes as well as more recently improved phosphor UV converters.

© 1993 Optical Society of America