News: LEDs
15 December 2020
Osram unveils its first UV-C LEDs
Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany has launched its first UV-C LED, the Oslon UV 3636, representing the beginning of a comprehensive portfolio of LEDs in the UV-C LED sector.
Irradiation with UV-C light can eliminate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on surfaces, in the air and in drinking water. It causes chemical bonds in the RNA or DNA helix of pathogens to break down, so they are no longer able to multiply and are thus rendered harmless. UV-C light has been used for many years to disinfect air or water – but often with very large lamps based on conventional light technologies.
A major advantage of modern LED-based UV-C solutions is the compact size of the light sources. Due to their space-saving dimensions, the LEDs can be installed easily on the final application for direct interaction with the substance being sanitized, for example significantly reducing germs in faucets and disinfecting the air in air-conditioning systems before it is blown into car interiors. Direct integration of the light sources also has the advantage of ensuring that the high-energy, short-wave UV-C light does not reach the surrounding area, and therefore does not pose a risk to people. In addition, unlike conventional lighting technologies, LEDs are very robust and insensitive to external shocks.
With an emission wavelength of 275nm and compact dimensions of 3.6mm x 3.6mm, the new Oslon UV 3636) is suitable for disinfection applications. A low-power version produces 4.5mW of output power at a drive current of 30mA; a mid-power version produces 42mW at 350mA.
“Thanks to their compact footprint and different optical power classes, UV-C LEDs enable completely new designs and applications,” says Christian Leirer, product manager for UV-C. “The Oslon UV 3636 is the first product in a series of innovations from Osram Opto Semiconductors in the UV-C range. A high-power UV-C LED will be launched in early 2021.”
Osram has been active in the UV area for many years and says that it has developed knowledge of UV technology through participating in various research projects with partners from industry and research, in particular the UNIQUE and UV-Power projects, as well as IPCEI on Microelectronics.
