A hydroxyl generator unit includes an ultraviolet light source, a reaction chamber within interior space of the hydroxyl generator unit, environmental sensors and a smart optic controller coupled to environmental sensors and to the ultraviolet light source. The smart optic controller integrates environmental conditions, and in response to at least the environmental conditions, the smart optic controller generates an output signal to the ultraviolet light source to control to the hydroxyls generated by the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes at least one of an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a light sensor, to control operation of the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes a microcontroller that interrogates the sensors and that interfaces to external systems. The smart optic controller includes a near field communications circuit attached to a sensor communications link, and a control interface via an RS-485 connection.