UV LED applications and protection issues

UV wavelengths between visible light and X-rays. Wavelength range is 10 ~ 400nm. However, many believe 430nm wavelength optoelectronic manufacturers also belong to ultraviolet light. Although many do not the human eye can see ultraviolet light, a visible part of the spectrum which is still named after the violet, UV LED in the past few years has made considerable progress. It is not only the production of solid-state UV devices of technological progress results also benefited from increased demand for environmentally sound production of UV lamps.

UV LED photoelectric current supply on the market contain a wavelength range of 265 ~ 420nm, there are a variety of packages, such as perforation, surface mount and COB. UV LED generator has a variety of unique applications, however, each generator on the wavelength and output power are independent. Under normal circumstances, use the LED UV light can be divided into three areas. They are respectively defined as UV-A (UVA), UV-B (UVB) and U V-C (UVC) (see Figure 2).

Full application

UV A-type device 1990 has already begun production. The LED is generally used in such counterfeit detection or verification (currency, driver's license or file, etc.). These applications require very low power output, wavelength range actually used is in the range 390 ~ 420n m, the lower wavelength product is not suitable for the application. Because these LED on the market long life cycle and easy to manufacture, it can be used as a variety of UV light sources and the cheapest product.

UVA LED element areas in the past few years has been greatly increased. This wavelength range (about 350 ~ 390nm) is the most commercial and industrial applications in the production of materials such as adhesives, coatings, inks and UV curing. Due to efficiency, cost reduction and system miniaturization, LED lights than traditional curing techniques, such as mercury or fluorescent lamps, has a greater advantage. Therefore, the supply chain continues to promote the use of LED technology, making use of LED curing the trend becoming increasingly apparent. Although the cost of the product this wavelength range is significantly higher than the UV A region, but steady increase in manufacturing output and rapid technological progress is gradually reduced prices.

Lower UV A and UV B higher wavelength range (approximately 300-350nm) was recently commercialized fields. These devices have great potential to be adapted for a variety of applications, including UV curing, biological medicine, DNA analysis, and various types of sensing. This three ultraviolet spectral range there is a significant overlap. So, the choice, not only to consider what is best for the application, we also need to consider what is the most cost-effective solution. Because usually it means higher lower wavelengths of LED cost.

UV B and UV C wavelength range (about 250 ~ 300nm) is a field still in its infancy largely. However, the application of these products in a warm and needs air and water purification system is very strong. Only a few companies have the ability to produce UV LED in this wavelength range, and a smaller number of companies to produce enough life, reliability and performance characteristics of the product. Therefore, the cost UVC / B device is still high, difficult to use in some applications. However, the first commercial UVC LED disinfection system was launched in 2012, which helped push the market forward.

Good protection

A common question about UV LED is: they pose a security risk it? As described above, UV light has various levels. One of the most common source is an ultraviolet lamp black. The product has been used for decades for use in a poster produced luminescent or fluorescent effect, as well as paintings and currency validation. These light bulbs generally produced in the UV A spectral closest to the wavelength of visible light and have lower energy. Despite the high exposure has been linked to skin cancer and other potential problems, such as skin accelerated aging related, but this part of the UVA spectrum of UV light are the three most secure. Light-emitting diodes (relative to a standard incandescent or fluorescent bulbs) are also highly directional, and the viewing angle is very narrow. Look into the UV LED can damage the eyes. Therefore, the user is best to avoid exposure to UVA products.

UV C and most of the UV B light is mainly used for sterilization and disinfection. These wavelengths of light not only harmful microorganisms, if in contact with it, for humans and other life forms are equally dangerous. These LED lights should always be shielded, and never use the naked eye look, even if it is emitting very little. Exposure at these wavelengths of light, can cause skin cancer and temporary or permanent vision loss or impairment.

All UV devices should have warning labels. Also, before you buy UV C or UV B ultraviolet light, many manufacturers require every customer to sign a document stating that they understand and agree that use of these products and process matters.

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