UVB Sensor (UVB-BTA)
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
Primary Test: Are you using the UVB Sensor to check UVA light? Confirm that the sensor is appropriate for the experiment.
Secondary Test: Take readings outdoors in the sunlight with and without a barrier, such as a sunglasses lens. Confirm that the readings are in the normal range for your area.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
How do the Vernier UVA and UVB sensors work?
Which UV sensor should I purchase--UVA or UVB?
UVA Sensor Troubleshooting and FAQs
Where can I purchase a UV light source?
Why does my UVA or UVB sensor display incorrect units in Logger Pro v3.4.5.1 and older?
Does Vernier sell a weather station?

SPECIFICATIONS

  • UV peak sensitivity: one Volt per 204 mW/m2 at 300 nm
  • Wavelength sensitivity region, approximate: 265 to 322 nm, 10% sensitivity points.
  • 12-bit resolution (LabPro): 0.25 mW/m2
  • 10-bit resolution (CBL 2, CBL): 1 mW/m2
  • Dimensions: 21 cm by 2 cm diameter
  • Time response: approximately 2 seconds to reach 95% of final reading

CALIBRATION
You do not have to perform a new calibration when using the UVB sensor. You can use the calibration that is stored on the sensor itself.

It is quite difficult to calibrate a UV sensor to read in absolute units, since you must have a source of known UV intensity and spectral distribution. More often you will simply want to calibrate the sensor in terms of a relative intensity. In that case, you will point the sensor at a UV source (most often the sun) and define that intensity as 100%. To perform this kind of calibration, complete the following steps for a two-point calibration. One of the points is your zero, with no light striking the sensor. Cover the tip of the UVB sensor with a clean opaque object. Select the calibration option of the program you are using. Enter 0 (zero) as the first known intensity. Now allow full UV intensity to strike the sensor. Since the orientation of the sensor affects the reading, it is best to hold the sensor in place with a clamp on a ring stand. To point the sensor directly at the sun, make the shadow of the sensor tube as small as possible. Enter 100 as the next known intensity. Subsequent measurements will be relative to this second intensity.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
UVA Sensor (UVA-BTA)
Go Direct® Light and Color Sensor (GDX-LC)

Published: May 30, 2013. Updated: February 17, 2025.