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Optical Radiation

UV Radiation - Sun - Solaria - Infrared Radiation - Laser

Optische Strahlung
Die Sonne hat für das Leben auf der Erde fundamentale Bedeutung.

What is optical radiation?

Optical radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is subdivided into ultraviolet radiation (UV), the spectrum of light visible for man (VIS) and infrared radiation (IR).

Elektromagnetisches Spektrum

What is infrared radiation?

Infrared radiation (IR radiation) - also referred to as thermal radiation - is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It follows the visible radiation in the direction of longer wavelengths ranging from 780 nanometres to 1 millimetre.

UV-Prognose

UV-forecast

UV index forecasts are issued every 3 days each year from April to September by BfS, in cooperation with the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Germany's National Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) and other associated institutions. The UV index is the internationally standardised measure of the daily peak value of erythemal UV radiation expected to reach the Earth’s surface. The higher the UVI value, the less time it takes for sunburn to occur on unprotected skin.

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comprising the wavelength range from 100 nm to 400 nm is the most energetic part of optical radiation. It adjoins directly to the range of ionising radiation. In the short wavelength range UV radiation can have similar effects as ionising radiation. According to different biological effects UV radiation is subdivided into three wavelength ranges: UV-A radiation (400 – 315 nm), UV-B radiation (315 – 280 nm) and UV-C radiation (280 – 100 nm). UV radiation is not visible for humans and cannot be perceived by other sense organs. Depending on wavelength and intensity UV radiation can produce numerous health effects mainly to eye and skin.

What is laser radiation?

Laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation" and relates to the way of radiation generation. The laser is a relatively recent invention. It was for the first time realized in 1960 with a synthetic ruby crystal. In order to produce a laser beam a laser medium has to be energized by an external energy source (referred to as "pumping"). Many materials as e.g. solids, semiconductors, dyes or gases are used as a laser medium.

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index describes the expected daily peak level of the erythemal UV irradiance at ground level.

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