Miniature ultra-effective UV-C radiation sources for disinfection and pandemic prevention

Purpose and goal:

The project has developed a new UVC light source, including driver electronics, for bacteria and virus reducing purposes. The produced light source is small and compact and emits UVC light with good efficiency in a wavelength range that effectively reduces bacteria. Expected results and effects:

The outcome of this project was a UVC light source with a relatively high (measured ~70mW) and scalable output power, an efficiency of 5-6% and an estimated lifetime of at least 2500h. Going forward, the driver, developed in the project, needs to be improved to withstand the necessary electrical load over time. The fully developed product can then be used in applications where it is important to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, for example when handling future pandemics.

Approach and implementation:

The project has been successful by combining knowledge of UVC chip technology (Purefize Technologies) with experience of xenon lamps (Thomas Berger GmbH)) to be able to produce a new light source with complementary driver electronics. To find the best light converter material, with good effect on microorganisms and reduced light degradation, FH Münster University assisted with expertise and material preparation. The effect on microorganisms was verified by Zoonosis center, Uppsala University.