Diffuse-direct ultraviolet ratios with a compact double monochromator

An improved system has been implemented for measuring the ratio of the diffuse skylight to the direct sunlight in the biologically active region of the UV near the atmospheric limit. It combines a double monochromator employing holographic gratings for reduction of stray light with a cooled photomultiplier tube to provide a greatly improved SNR below 300 nm. Data may be obtained in either a scan mode or a narrowband photometry mode; in the latter mode accurate ratios have been obtained near 290 nm. Representative data are discussed along with a theoretical model of the ratio. The system is compact enough for use in a mobile monitoring system.