UVC Photodetector – TOCON_C2UVC
The TOCON_C2UVC from SGLUX GmbH is a SiC-based UVC photodetector with a built-in amplifier, delivering a direct 0–5 V analog output proportional to incident UVC...
UVC Photodetector – TOCON_C2UVC
Precise UVC Photodetector with Integrated Amplifier for Low-Level Germicidal and Disinfection Monitoring
The TOCON_C2UVC from SGLUX GmbH is a SiC-based UVC photodetector with a built-in amplifier, delivering a direct 0–5 V analog output proportional to incident UVC irradiance. Designed for sensitive germicidal and disinfection applications, it handles irradiances from ~18 pW/cm² up to ~180 nW/cm², making it ideal for monitoring UV lamps, process control, or validation systems. Housed in a hermetically sealed TO5 metal can with lens cap, the detector is rugged, compact, and maintenance-free. Its spectral response is tightly focused in the UVC band (≈225–287 nm, with peak ~275 nm), providing high selectivity for germicidal wavelengths. The TOCON_C2UVC is suitable for integration with microcontrollers, controllers, or radiometric systems, allowing feedback control of UVC sources, verifying dose delivery, or monitoring lamp drift over time.
Understanding UVC Photodetector - TOCON_C2UVC
The TOCON_C2UVC uses a silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode optimized for UVC detection, combined with an internal transimpedance amplifier that outputs 0–5 V proportional to irradiance. With its sensitivity range from ~18 pW/cm² (resolution/lower boundary) up to ~180 nW/cm² (saturation limit at 254 nm) sglux, it is well matched for low-to-moderate UVC intensities. The detector’s packaging in a TO5 canister with a lens cap ensures environmental protection and stability. Its compact form allows integration into compact systems and modules without needing external amplification.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Function | UVC photodetector with integrated amplifier |
| Detector Type | SiC photodiode + internal amplifier |
| Spectral Range / Band | ≈ 225 – 287 nm (UVC) |
| Peak Wavelength | ~ 275 nm (germicidal band) |
| Output Signal | 0 – 5 V DC (linear with irradiance) |
| Dynamic Range / Limits | Min ~ 18 pW/cm², Max (saturation) ~ 180 nW/cm² (at 254 nm) |
| Response / Bandwidth | — (typical internal amplifier response) |
| Operating Voltage | Typically 5 V supply to support full 0–5 V output |
| Operating Temperature | –20 to +85 °C (typical for TOCON devices) |
| Housing | Hermetically sealed TO5 metal housing with lens cap |
| Calibration | Uncalibrated as shipped; optional calibration service available |
| Connector / Output | Standard pin / output per TOCON style |
Key Features and Advantages
Narrowband UVC Sensitivity & High Selectivity
The TOCON_C2UVC is specifically designed for UVC detection in the germicidal band. With a spectral window from ~225 to 287 nm and a peak response around 275 nm, it offers excellent rejection of UVA, UVB, and visible light — minimizing interference from ambient lighting or stray spectral leakage. This selectivity is valuable when measuring germicidal dose or lamp performance in environments that may include broader UV or visible background spectra.
Built-in Low-Noise Amplifier with 0–5 V Output
One of the key advantages is the integrated amplifier inside the TO5 housing, which directly outputs a voltage proportional to irradiance (0–5 V). This eliminates the need for external amplification circuits, reduces wiring noise and errors, and simplifies system integration with controllers, data acquisition systems, or PLCs.
Optimized for Low to Moderate UVC Flux
With a lower detection boundary of about 18 pW/cm² and a saturation threshold around 180 nW/cm² at 254 nm, the TOCON_C2UVC is suited to monitoring typical germicidal lamp outputs, drift, and validation tasks. Users should design their systems to operate within this dynamic window—for example, by ensuring expected flux is well below the saturation limit to maintain linearity.
Compact, Rugged, Hermetically Sealed Design
Encased in a TO5 metal can with a lens cap, the TOCON_C2UVC offers protection from moisture, dust, and mechanical stress. The hermetic sealing ensures long-term stability and reliability in laboratory or industrial environments.
Ease of Integration & System Compatibility
The standard 0–5 V analog output is compatible with microcontrollers, PLCs, ADCs, monitoring modules, or radiation controllers. No external amplifier or signal conditioning is typically required. This plug-and-play nature simplifies deployment in UVC systems.
Serviceability & Calibration Options
While the device is shipped without calibration, SGLUX offers optional calibration services, allowing customers to get a calibration certificate traceable to reference radiometric standards. This capability is essential in systems requiring absolute dose verification or regulatory compliance.
In sum, the TOCON_C2UVC combines narrowband UVC detection, built-in amplification, compact and robust packaging, and convenient interfacing to provide a practical, reliable sensor for UVC monitoring and control systems.
Applications Across Industries
UV Disinfection & Sterilization Control Systems
In water, air, and surface sterilization setups, accurate UVC dose control is critical for effective microbial inactivation. The TOCON_C2UVC can monitor real-time irradiance inside the lamp housing or reactor chamber, enabling feedback control loops to adjust lamp power, exposure time or shuttering to maintain required germicidal dose thresholds.
Lamp Characterization and Drift Monitoring
Manufacturers of UVC lamps (e.g., low-pressure mercury, excimer, or UVC LEDs) can incorporate the TOCON_C2UVC during R&D, quality assurance, or lifetime testing to track output stability, detect aging effects, or compare lamp performance. It can help ensure consistency across units and flag drift over time.
Validation & Dose Mapping in Sterilization Chambers
For validation of sterilization systems, spatial mapping of UVC dose is necessary. The compact size of the TOCON_C2UVC allows placing multiple sensors at strategic positions to measure dose uniformity and validate that all target surfaces receive sufficient germicidal exposure.
Leakage & Safety Monitoring
In systems where UVC exposure to personnel must be prevented, the TOCON_C2UVC can act as a sentinel sensor near enclosures or windows to detect stray UVC irradiance and trigger interlocks, alerts, or shutoffs when unsafe levels are reached.
Integration into Automated UV Systems & Process Control
Because of its analog output compatibility, the TOCON_C2UVC can integrate seamlessly into automated process control systems (PLCs, SCADA, microcontrollers). It can be used for automated lamp power control, dose monitoring, maintenance scheduling (based on output drift), or failsafe shutdown in case of deviations.
Laboratory & Research Use
In photobiology, microbiology, or UV effect studies, accurate UVC dose measurement is crucial for reproducibility. The TOCON_C2UVC provides a reliable reference sensor for exposure systems, enabling precise control of sample irradiation and replicable experimental conditions.
Medical, Cleanroom, & Semiconductor Applications
Facilities that use UVC for disinfection of surfaces, tools, or cleanroom air can benefit from in-line monitoring of UVC flux to ensure disinfection efficacy and regulatory compliance. The TOCON_C2UVC supports integration into control systems that monitor dosing and safety in these critical applications.
By combining targeted UVC sensitivity, simple interfacing, robust packaging, and calibration flexibility, the TOCON_C2UVC is well-suited for deployment across disinfection, laboratory, industrial, and safety applications where reliable germicidal dose monitoring is needed.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
As the authorized Indian partner for SGLUX sensors, United Spectrum Instruments ensures access to TOCON_C2UVC devices with in-country support and calibration services. We offer traceability to international standards, prompt supply, and technical guidance tailored to Indian applications. Our team aids in system integration, calibration, and aftersales support for UVC measurement systems across India. Whether for research, industrial, or OEM deployment, we provide a local bridge to SGLUX’s high-quality photodetectors.
FAQs
What is the detectable UVC wavelength range?
Typically ~225–287 nm, with peak sensitivity near 275 nm.
What are its lower and upper sensitivity thresholds?
Approximately 18 pW/cm² (lower, resolution limit) to 180 nW/cm² (upper, saturation) at 254 nm
Does the sensor require an external amplifier?
No — it includes a built-in amplifier and directly outputs 0–5 V
Is calibration included out of the box?
No — the unit is uncalibrated as delivered. Optional calibration with traceable certificate is available.
Can it be used with PLCs or microcontrollers?
Yes — its 0–5 V output is compatible with analog inputs on PLCs, microcontrollers, or ADC systems.
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FAQs
What is the detectable UVC wavelength range?
Typically ~225–287 nm, with peak sensitivity near 275 nm.
What are its lower and upper sensitivity thresholds?
Approximately 18 pW/cm² (lower, resolution limit) to 180 nW/cm² (upper, saturation) at 254 nm
Does the sensor require an external amplifier?
No — it includes a built-in amplifier and directly outputs 0–5 V
Is calibration included out of the box?
No — the unit is uncalibrated as delivered. Optional calibration with traceable certificate is available.
Can it be used with PLCs or microcontrollers?
Yes — its 0–5 V output is compatible with analog inputs on PLCs, microcontrollers, or ADC systems.


