Application field and protection of UV LED

The wavelengths of ultraviolet light are between visible and X-ray light. The wavelength range is 10 to 400nm. However, many optoelectronics manufacturers consider 430nm to be ultraviolet. UV leds have come a long way in the past few years, although much of the UV light is invisible to the human eye and is known for producing parts of the violet visible spectrum. This is not only the result of technological advances in the production of solid-state UV devices, but also the increased demand for environmentally sound UV lamps.

The current UV LED supply in the optoelectronics market includes a wavelength range of 265 to 420nm and comes in a variety of packaging forms, such as perforation, surface mounting and COB. UV LED generators have a variety of unique applications, however, each generator is independent of the wavelength and power output. Typically, UV light used on leds can be divided into three areas. They are defined as uv-a (uvb), uv-b (uvb) and U v-c (uvb) 

Full application

UV type A devices have been in production since 1990. These leds are commonly used to falsify detection or verification (currency, driver's license or documents, etc.). The power output requirements of these applications are very low, and the actual wavelength range used is within 390 ~ 420n m. Products with lower wavelength are not suitable for use. Because of their long life cycle and ease of manufacture in the market, these leds can be used as a variety of light sources and the cheapest UV products.

The UVA LED component field has seen significant growth in the last few years. Most applications in this wavelength range (about 350 to 390nm) are in the production of commercial and industrial materials such as adhesives, coatings and inks for uv curing. LED lighting has advantages over conventional curing technologies, such as mercury or fluorescent lamps, due to increased efficiency, lower costs and smaller systems. Therefore, the supply chain is constantly promoting the use of LED technology, making the trend of using LED to solidify more and more obvious. Although the cost of products in this wavelength range is significantly higher than in the UV A region, rapid advances in manufacturing technology and steady increases in output are gradually lowering prices.

Lower uv-a and higher uv-b wavelength ranges (about 300-350nm) are recent commercial areas. These promising devices can be used in a variety of applications, including uv curing, biomedicine, DNA analysis, and various types of sensing. There is a significant overlap between the three ultraviolet spectral ranges. Therefore, when choosing, consider not only what is the most suitable application, but also what is the most cost-effective solution. Because lower wavelengths usually mean higher LED costs.

The UV B and UV C wavelength range (about 250 to 300nm) is a field that is still largely in its infancy. However, the enthusiasm and demand for such products in air and water purification systems is very strong. Currently, only a few companies have the ability to produce UV leds in this wavelength range, and even fewer companies can produce products with sufficient life, reliability and performance characteristics. As a result, UVC/ B devices are still expensive and 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 leds is: are they a safety hazard? As mentioned above, UV light has many levels. One of the most common sources of ultraviolet light is the black bulb. The product has been used for decades to produce glowing or fluorescent effects for posters, as well as to validate paintings and currencies. The light produced by these bulbs is usually in the uv-a spectrum, which is closest to the wavelength of visible light and has lower energy. Although high exposure has been linked to skin cancer and other potential problems, such as accelerated skin aging, this part of the UVA spectrum is the safest of the three UV rays. Leds (as opposed to standard incandescent or fluorescent bulbs) are also highly directional and have very narrow viewing angles. Looking directly at UV leds can damage your eyes. Therefore, users are advised to avoid exposure to UVA products.

UV C and most UV B light are mainly used for sterilization and disinfection. These wavelengths of light are not only bad for microbes, but also dangerous for humans and other life forms if they come in contact with them. These leds should be shielded at all times and should never be viewed with naked eyes, even though they give little light. Exposure to these wavelengths of light can cause skin cancer and temporary or permanent vision loss or impairment.

All UV units should have warning labels. In addition, before purchasing UV C or B lamps, many manufacturers require each customer to sign a document stating that they understand and agree to the use and treatment of these products.