1
What is the sunlight UV Index where I am?
Measure current sunlight UVI and use dose accumulation as an outdoor-awareness reminder.
Choose AH-Sunuvi →
UV, Optical & Solar Measurement Guide
Choose the Right Meter by Wavelength and Application.
“UV meter” or “light meter” can mean very different instruments. Start with the source and wavelength you actually need to evaluate: sunlight UV Index, 385/405 nm near-UV, 660/850 nm red/NIR, dental curing light, or broadband solar irradiance.
Start with the application
Five measurement jobs that should not be treated as the same thing.
Different optical sources require different sensor responses and units. Select the instrument by the question you need answered, not by the generic word “light.”
2
How strong is a 385 or 405 nm UV source?
Measure near-UV irradiance for applications such as resin 3D-printer light-source checks.
Choose AH-NUV →3
How much 660 nm red or 850 nm NIR is present?
Measure targeted red and near-infrared irradiance instead of using a broad visible-light meter.
Choose AH-RDNIR →4
Do I need to check a dental curing light?
Use a purpose-specific blue + UVA measurement workflow for dental curing light sources.
Choose AH-DCLM →5
How much solar irradiance reaches this outdoor position?
Measure broadband solar irradiance in W/m² and compare positions or conditions.
Choose AH-SOL →Wavelength matters
A number is only useful when the sensor matches the source.
UVI, wavelength-specific irradiance and solar irradiance are different measurement concepts. The unit, spectral response and intended application all matter when interpreting the result.
Sunlight UV Index
A standardized index for current solar UV intensity. AH-Sunuvi adds accumulated UV dose awareness and a selected-level reminder.
Near-UV irradiance
Targeted measurement for near-UV light sources where a generic visible-light reading does not answer the question.
Red / near-infrared
Targeted irradiance measurement for red and near-infrared sources outside the scope of a normal lux meter.
Solar irradiance
Broadband field measurement for the solar power reaching a surface or measurement position.
UV
Visible
Red
Near-Infrared
Do not assume two meters with similar-looking displays are interchangeable.
Optical measurements depend on the wavelength range and spectral response the instrument is designed to measure.
Choose the AquaHorti tool
Match the instrument to the source you need to evaluate.
These meters cover different optical measurement jobs. Their purpose is not to replace one another, but to give you the measurement that matches the source and application.
Sunlight UV
AH-Sunuvi
Portable sunlight UV Index measurement with UV dose tracking and a beep reminder at the selected reminder level.
- Current on-site sunlight UVI
- Accumulated UV dose awareness
- Selected-level beep reminder
- Portable outdoor use
- No app required
Best for: beach, pool, yard, travel and other outdoor situations where you want
current UVI plus a practical exposure reminder. It does not test sunscreen SPF or diagnose medical risk.
View AH-Sunuvi →
385 / 405 nm UV
AH-NUV
Near-UV irradiance measurement for 385 nm and 405 nm light sources.
- 385 nm UV irradiance
- 405 nm UV irradiance
- Purpose-specific near-UV measurement
- Designed for resin 3D-printer UV checks
Best for: checking 385/405 nm UV light sources where wavelength-specific
irradiance matters more than visible brightness.
View AH-NUV →
660 / 850 nm
AH-RDNIR
Targeted irradiance measurement for 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light.
- 660 nm red irradiance
- 850 nm near-infrared irradiance
- Dedicated wavelength-specific measurement
- Useful when lux is not the relevant metric
Best for: checking red/NIR optical sources that require targeted
wavelength measurement rather than broad visible illuminance.
View AH-RDNIR →
Dental curing light
AH-DCLM
Blue and UVA measurement for evaluating dental curing light output.
- Blue-light measurement
- UVA measurement
- Purpose-built curing-light workflow
- Optical-source verification rather than visual brightness
Best for: checking the optical output of dental curing light sources
with a measurement approach designed around the relevant blue/UVA bands.
View AH-DCLM →
Solar irradiance
AH-SOL
Field solar irradiance measurement in W/m² for comparing outdoor positions and conditions.
- Solar irradiance in W/m²
- Data Hold
- Record up to 99 readings
- No app required
Best for: field checks, comparing solar exposure between locations,
and recording multiple irradiance measurements for later comparison.
View AH-SOL →
Measurement workflow
Identify the source before interpreting the number.
Good optical measurement starts before the meter is switched on. Define the source, wavelength and decision first, then compare readings under repeatable conditions.
Step 1
Identify
What source, wavelength or physical quantity are you trying to measure?
Step 2
Match
Use an instrument whose sensor response is designed for that measurement job.
Step 3
Measure
Keep distance, angle, source settings and other relevant conditions repeatable.
Step 4
Compare
Use repeatable measurements to evaluate positions, sources, settings or changes.
Quick answers
UV, optical & solar measurement FAQ
Which AquaHorti meter is for sunlight UV Index?
AH-Sunuvi shows the current sunlight UVI where you are and tracks accumulated UV dose for a selected-level beep reminder. It is an outdoor UV-awareness tool, not an SPF tester or medical diagnostic device.
Which meter measures 385 nm and 405 nm UV?
AH-NUV is designed for 385 nm and 405 nm UV irradiance measurement, including checks of resin 3D-printer UV light sources.
Which meter measures 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light?
AH-RDNIR is designed for targeted 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared irradiance measurement.
Which meter is for dental curing lights?
AH-DCLM is designed for blue and UVA measurement of dental curing light sources.
Which meter measures solar irradiance in W/m²?
AH-SOL measures solar irradiance in W/m² and supports Hold plus recording of up to 99 readings.
Source → Wavelength → Meter → Measurement
Do not choose an optical meter by the word “light” alone.
Start with the source you need to evaluate and the wavelength or quantity that matters. Then open the matching AquaHorti product page for detailed specifications, measurement limits, workflow and purchase options.