opticalUV

OpticalUV is a term used in photonics and materials science to describe devices, systems, and research efforts that operate across the ultraviolet (UV) and visible portions of the spectrum. It refers to technologies engineered to generate, transmit, detect, or manipulate light that includes ultraviolet wavelengths, typically from near-UV (approximately 380 nm) down to deep-UV (below 200 nm), although practical implementations often focus on near-UV to visible ranges.

In application, opticalUV encompasses UV light sources such as LEDs and lasers, UV-sensitive detectors, and optical components designed for UV transmission and manipulation. It is used in areas including UV curing of polymers, photolithography, fluorescence and bioimaging using UV excitation, environmental monitoring, water and air purification, and sterilization.

Common technologies include wide-bandgap semiconductors such as GaN and AlGaN for UV emitters and detectors, UV-transparent materials like quartz and sapphire, and specialized coatings and filters that perform in UV. Photonic integration across UV and visible wavelengths is an active area, with waveguides, modulators, and imaging systems designed to operate over extended spectral ranges.

Key challenges involve material stability under UV exposure, efficiency and lifetime of UV sources and detectors, ozone and air absorption effects, and cost and availability of UV-compatible components. Ongoing research in opticalUV aims to improve spectral coverage, power efficiency, and robustness for applications in manufacturing, healthcare, environmental sensing, and scientific instrumentation.

See also: ultraviolet, photonics, optoelectronics, UV curing, photolithography.