UV light is used for curing materials, a photochemical process in which high-intensity UV radiations instantly cure or “dry” inks, coatings, or adhesives. The process is widely used in dental treatments and manufacturing of semiconductors, integrated circuit components, and printed circuit boards (photolithography process). Miniature UV curing systems with UVLEDs are efficient for these applications.
Applications
UV Curing
Entertainment
Blacklights that operate in the lower end of the UV-A spectrum are extremely popular. Improvements in UV output power combined with longer lifetime and lower energy consumption are making UV LEDs a favorite in this industry.
Sterilization
One of the most popular commercial uses of ultraviolet light sources is for disinfection. UV light, especially UV-C (200 nm to 280 nm), has a germicidal effect on micro-organisms living in air, water, and on surfaces. It is lethal to viruses, bacteria, bacterial spores, mold, mold spores, yeast, and algae. UV light is also used in medical sanitation and sterilization of work facilities. High power UV-C LEDs are suitable as point of use source or may be integrated into systems for disinfection purposes.
Bio-Detection
UV-C AlGaN-based light sources can play a key role in the field of biological and biomedical optical diagnostics using fluorescence spectroscopy techniques.
Forensic & Criminal Investigation
UV light is useful in identifying counterfeit currency and counterfeit-sensitive documents like passports, visas, and driver’s licenses.
UV light is also found in forensic light sources. It helps detect body fluids evidence and latent fingerprints by enhancing their visualization. Reliable portable UVLEDs based systems are very suitable for these applications.
Phototherapy
An effective option for long-term treatment of many skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and others is targeted exposure to UV-B radiations (280nm to 315 nm). UVB LEDs are suitable for these applications.