Cost-Effective Ambient Ozone Measuring Device Based on Absorption of Visible Light

IJEP 45(11): 1040-1048 : Vol. 45 Issue. 11 (November 2025)

Full Text

Bimal Pal1 and Krishnendu Chakrabarty2

1. Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology (Autonomous), Department of Computer Sci- ence and Engineering, Kolkata – 700 010, West Bengal, India
2. Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology (Autonomous), Department of Basic Science and Engineering, Kolkata – 700 010, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Ambient ozone measurement began in the early 20th century using photographic plates. Later, photomultiplier tubes and today, photodiodes are used at the detection stage. Besides photometry, other methods, such as electrochemical and heated metal oxide semiconductor techniques are also employed to measure ambient ozone concentration. The electrochemical method has a shorter lifespan, while heated metal oxide methods face drawbacks, like long warm-up times and high power consumption. Conventional UVC-type ozone measurement devices based on mercury lamps are costly, harmful and have a shorter lifespan. To develop low-cost ambient ozone measurement systems, researchers are investigating options using inexpensive visible-range LEDs and photodiodes, as ozone molecules can absorb some light in the visible range. In this research, a device has been developed using a visible wavelength LED and a widely available 580 nm photodiode, which is safe for living cells and more affordable compared to UVC-based ozone measurement devices. The readings from the experimental setup were compared with those from an ozone meter. The results from the setup are satisfactory.

Keywords

Incident light, Optical absorption, Photodiode, Photon energy, Radiation intensity

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