Application of UV LED and its protection problems

The current supply of UV leds in the photonics market covers the wavelength range from 265 to 420nm and is available in a variety of package forms such as perforation, surface mount and COB. UV LED generators have a variety of unique applications, however, each generator is independent in terms of wavelength and output power. Under normal circumstances, UV light used on leds can be divided into three areas. They are defined as UV-A (long wave ultraviolet), UV-B (medium wave ultraviolet) and UV-C (short wave ultraviolet), respectively.

LED full application

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

The field of UVA LED components has seen great growth over the past few years. The majority of applications in this wavelength range (approximately 350 to 390nm) are in the production of commercial and industrial materials such as UV curing of adhesives, coatings and inks. Due to increased efficiency, reduced costs and system miniaturization, LED lamps have greater advantages over traditional curing technologies such as mercury or fluorescent lamps. Therefore, the supply chain is constantly promoting the use of LED technology, making the trend of using LED to cure 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 production are gradually reducing prices.

The lower UV-A and higher UV-B wavelength ranges (about 300-350nm) are areas that have only recently been commercialized. These devices have great potential for a variety of applications, including UV curing, biomedical, DNA analysis, and various types of sensing. There is a significant overlap between these three ultraviolet spectral ranges. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to 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 ranges (about 250 to 300nm) are an area that is still largely in its infancy. However, the enthusiasm and demand for the application of such products in air and water purification systems is very strong. Only a few companies currently have the ability to produce UV leds in this wavelength range, and even fewer companies can produce products with sufficient longevity, reliability, and performance characteristics. As a result, the cost of UVC/ B devices remains high and difficult to use in some applications. However, the first commercial UVC LED disinfection system was launched in 2012, which helped drive the market forward.

UV LED protection

A common question about UV leds is: Do they pose a safety risk? As mentioned above, there are many levels of UV light. One of the most common sources of ultraviolet light is a black bulb. The product has been used for decades to produce glowing or fluorescent effects for posters, as well as for painting and currency verification. The light produced by these bulbs is usually in the UVA spectrum, which is closest to the wavelength of visible light and has a lower energy. Although high exposure has been linked to skin cancer as well as other potential problems such as accelerated skin aging, this part of the UVA spectrum is the safest of the three types of UV light. Leds (as opposed to standard incandescent or fluorescent type bulbs) are also highly directional and have a very narrow viewing Angle. Looking directly at UV leds can damage your eyes. Therefore, users are advised to avoid exposure to UVA products.

UVC and most UVB light are mainly used for sterilization and disinfection. These wavelengths of light are not only harmful to microbes, but also dangerous to humans and other life forms if they come into contact with it. These LED lights should always be shielded and never looked directly at with the naked eye, even if it emits very little light. Exposure to light at these wavelengths can lead to skin cancer and temporary or permanent vision loss or impairment.

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