Actinometer
An actinometer is an instrument that can measure the heating
.An actinometer is a chemical system or physical device which determines the number of photons in a beam integrally or per unit time. This name is commonly applied to devices used in the ultraviolet and visible wavelength ranges. For example, solutions of iron(III) oxalate can be used as a chemical actinometer, while bolometers, thermopiles, and photodiodes are physical devices giving a reading that can be correlated to the number of photons detected.
History
The actinometer was invented by John Herschel in 1825; he introduced the term actinometer, the first of many uses of the prefix actin for scientific instruments, effects, and processes.[1]
The actinograph is a related device for estimating the actinic power of lighting for photography.
Chemical actinometry
Chemical actinometry involves measuring radiant flux via the yield from a chemical reaction. This process requires a chemical with a known quantum yield and easily analyzed reaction products.
Choosing an actinometer
Recent investigations into nitrate photolysis[5][6] have used
Chemical actinometry in the visible range
Meso-diphenylhelianthrene can be used for chemical actinometry in the visible range (400–700 nm).[7] This chemical measures in the 475–610 nm range, but measurements in wider spectral ranges can be done with this chemical if the emission spectrum of the light source is known.
See also
References
- ^ Michels, John (April 25, 1884). "Notes and News". Science. 3 (64): 527. .
- ISBN 0-471-13091-5.
- ^ Taylor, H. A. (1971). Analytical methods techniques for actinometry in Analytical photochemistry and photochemical analysis. New York: Marcel Dekker Inc.
- ISBN 0-471-90029-X.
- .
- .
- S2CID 98387978.