Typical prior art circuits for ignition and operation of UV lamps do not optimize power usage through the whole cycle of ignition and ongoing operation. Typically, the higher power required to initially ignite the UV lamp is not diminished once the UV lamp is burning brightly and at a desired temperature. The circuit of the present invention utilizes a sensor to monitor the light emitted from the UV lamp and a sensor to measure the temperature of the device containing the UV lamp as voltage is applied to it. Once the constant light and desired temperature are achieved, the voltage boost converter is latched away and constant lower voltage is provided to the UV lamp from that point forward, thus optimizing the energy consumption or the energy used for a battery powered device incorporating a UV lamp.
