The wavelength of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation ranges from 100 to 280 nm. Its 200~280nm band has been shown to be most effective in eliminating pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. UVC lamps have been used for germicidal irradiation for a long time, mostly in labs, hospitals, and water treatment plants. Since the new coronavirus COVID-19 became a global epidemic, there has been a growing need to make this technology more readily available, especially for automated UVC disinfection systems, as each new variant brings new concerns.
Optics plays an important role in UVC disinfection systems. Alfa Chemistry has made sure that we are at the forefront of offering the market a broad variety of UV optics as the need for sterilization and disinfection systems rises. In addition to stock optics for rapid turnaround, we also work directly with clients to provide specialized optical solutions.
Custom and Stock Optical Solutions
Alfa Chemistry has built a broad portfolio of optical solutions in the UV sterilization and disinfection market to address optical barriers in their applications. We have an experienced executive team and dedicated research staff. We can make your optical designs a reality and develop your research capabilities.
UVC systems all require the selection of the right UVC wavelength optics. Alfa Chemistry's extensive UV optics portfolio is ready to go. Whether it's windows, domes or filters, we can customize precision optics in a variety of sizes to fully meet your exact requirements. Customers are able to specify everything from component materials and dimensions to optical coatings.
Commonly Ordered Optics
| UV Moulded Optics | UV Filters |
In addition, we have a large inventory of optical products for UV applications that can be customized to meet your specific requirements on short notice.
Commonly Ordered Optics
| Barium Fluoride Optical Crystal | Barium Fluoride Window |
| Zinc Selenide Windows | Zinc Selenide Lenses |
| Germanium Components | Silicon Mirror |
| Barium Fluoride Lens | Lithium Fluoride Components |
Selecting The Best Substrate
High UVC transmittance is required for substrates for UVC optics. The materials utilized for UV applications most frequently are:
- UV Fused Silica (UVFS): This material, which is exceptionally durable and reasonably priced, is commonly utilized.
- Calcium Fluoride (CaF2): This substance transmits approximately 90% of light in the UVC band and has a broad transmission band starting at 130 nm.
- Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2): This substance is more resilient and water resistant than CaF2 while yet having fairly similar transmission qualities. It is cut in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) applications to reduce any potential birefringence.
- Sapphire (Al2O3): This substance has an extremely long lifespan. Although it has a lower transmittance than CaF2 and MgF2, it still has a transmittance of more than 80% after 200 nm.
Why Choose Alfa Chemistry?
We test each optical component to its specifications in our state-of-the-art metrology lab. The facility is equipped with various instruments to measure the different parameters of the optics. In addition, all optical components are visually inspected 100% prior to packaging by our QA staff, who are professionally trained.
For more information on how Alfa Chemistry can help you with your optical needs, please contact our dedicated sales team.