Abstract
With this study, we report on the reliability of the most recent commercial UVC LED devices. The current COVID-19 pandemic urged the development of antiviral technologies, and one of the most effective is based on UVC irradiation, which can be effectively achieved by means of Deep UV LEDs. The development of antiviral systems based on UVC LEDs strongly depends on their efficacy and reliability. We propose an in-depth analysis of four different state-of-the-art commercial LEDs suitable for disinfection applications. LEDs have been subjected to a controlled stress test near their application limits, and their reliability and characteristics have been analyzed and studied. Results indicate a still limited reliability, with a degradation possibly related to an increase in Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination. Finally, some relevant product design suggestions will be proposed based on the results of this work.
Highlights
The recent global pandemic state caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought great attention to antiviral technologies
Summarizing the results, it is quite clear that the reliability of commercially available UVC LEDs emitting at 270–280 nm and stressed near their absolute maximum current is, in 2022, still quite limited
That by comparing the results summarized in the present work with the dose required to achieve an antiviral effect on SARS-CoV-2 virus [1], a single treatment can require a few minutes; the lifetime of these devices may still be sufficient for thousands of operations
Summary
The recent global pandemic state caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought great attention to antiviral technologies. As of 2022, we can present two main technologies for the generation of UVC radiation (below 300 nm), i.e., discharge lamps (such as low-pressure mercury tube lamps) and solid-state devices (in particular LEDs). The advantages of the UVC LEDs are: miniaturization, improved efficacy and robustness. Due to the increase in market demand, UVC LEDs are produced and commercialized by several manufacturers to achieve higher-energy photons, and have been available on the market for at least a decade, but efficiency and price only just reached levels compatible with commercial applications. By means of UVC LEDs’ small size and controlled emission, it is possible to uniformly irradiate objects, guaranteeing a minimum irradiance to treat the entire surface, but without exceeding the critical irradiance which can damage the surface of the treated material
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
