Technical Insight
Nichia publishes DUV LED findings
LED developer Nichia has announced results regarding the development of more energy-efficient DUV LEDs.
Japanese LED manufacturer Nichia has published a new set of findings in regard to the deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV LED) sector.
The firm focused its research on the delivery of aluminium nitride (AlN) on sapphire template DUV LEDs - devices which also utilise gallium nitride compound semiconductors to absorb part of the radiation output.
At present, the research is focused on raising the equivalent efficiency of DUV LED products from its present level of approximately two per cent, closer to that of visible LED technology - which is around 70 per cent.
Indeed, in order to achieve this aim, the company has experimented with increasing the thickness of the AlN layer to improve crystalline quality and in turn boost efficiency.
The results showed that a system of 26 DUV LEDs were capable of producing an ultraviolet output of 223 mW at 1.85 amperes, with an emission wavelength of 281 nm. The company s aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of high-power DUV LED devices, with production of the AlN on sapphire templates utilising low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapour deposition.
DUV LEDs have applications in a range of areas, including disinfection, sensing and polymer curing. They also offer improved robustness, energy efficiency and length of life compared to the present technology used to achieve these aims of mercury lamps.
Furthermore, DUV LEDs are safer, as they do not have the risk of breaking and releasing harmful metal vapours.
Nichia was founded in December 1956 and its main products presently include LEDs, evaporation, battery and magnetic materials, finer chemicals, laser diodes, optical semiconductor devices and phosphors for cathode ray tubes, lamp, plasma display panels and X-rays.
The company was the first to develop blue LED technology in 1993 and, since then, the company has developed a range of nitride-based LED products in a range of colours that continue to have significant industrial and commercial uses.
