What is UV LED Used for?

In the past, there were no UV LED lights available for commercial use. However, with advancements in LED technology leading to higher power densities, UV LED lights are now becoming more prevalent in the market, replacing traditional options.

UV light is a type of electromagnetic energy that is not visible to the human eye, and it carries more energy and travels at a higher frequency than visible light. When UV light was first discovered in the 19th century, it was referred to as "chemical rays" due to its capability to cause molecular changes in certain substances.

UV LED diodes have even more advantages than we can imagine. UV wavelength light comes in the range of electromagnetic spectrum between 10nm to 400nm. However, UV light can not be seen through the normal eye but it has promised immense benefits to humans.

UltraViolet LEDs represent the next frontier in the solid-state emitters. It holds a future for many important fields like biology, medical sciences, dentistry, solid-state lighting, displays, dense data storage, and the manufacturing of semiconductors. In the identification of Hazardous biological agents UV, LEDs have shown notable application.  

Uses of UV LED

UV LED lighting has grown in popularity due to its numerous applications in various disciplines.

Cosmetic and Industrial Curing

UV curing is one such application, where UV light is used to rapidly dry or cure pigments, coatings, and adhesives. This is accomplished through the cross-polymerization of photosensitive substances. UV LED technology has emerged as a viable alternative to ozone gas and mercury-based conventional curing techniques. It is suitable for cosmetic and industrial applications.

UV curing is utilized in the cosmetics industry to cure nail varnish. Concerns have been voiced, however, about the safety of traditional curing techniques that employ unregulated UV lamps. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, exposure to the UV radiation emitted by these lamps may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The study indicates that LED lamps are a safer alternative because they emanate UV light with a lower frequency.

Analytical Instruments

UV lighting is also used as an analytical instrument because it makes certain substances visible to the human eye. Verifying currency by examining UV watermarks is a frequent application. Additionally, forensic science uses UV illumination to identify bodily fluids at crime scenes.

Biological studies

In addition, the importance of UV LED illumination in scientific and biological research is growing. For instance, a 2012 study published in Applied Entomology and Zoology demonstrated that UV LED lamps are an effective way to combat the West Indian sweet potato weevil. This insect is notorious for destroying sweet potato crops, and detection is challenging because most adult activity occurs at night. The study used a diffused UV LED light trap and a sweet potato sacrifice to readily detect the pests, allowing farmers to take the appropriate measures in response.

Disinfection and sterilization

UV lighting has become an indispensable instrument for sterilization and disinfection, particularly in the purification of air and water. UV radiation can disrupt the DNA of bacteria and viruses, making it an effective means of eradicating pathogenic microorganisms. A second example of how natural UV light can kill bacteria on clothing is when garments are hung outside to dry in the sun. UV LED lamps can be used to sanitize surfaces and air in indoor environments to prevent the spread of infections.

According to a 2007 study published in Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, UV LED light sources effectively deactivate microbes in water. UV LED devices are safer and more compact than conventional sterilization methods involving chemicals or high temperatures. Consequently, they have tremendous potential as water sterilization solutions, particularly in remote or low-resource areas.

Indoor Gardening

UV LED lamps are also gaining popularity in indoor gardening, particularly in urban areas with limited space and sunlight. For photosynthesis and growth, plants require UV radiation, which can be provided by LED lighting. Using UV LED lights for indoor horticulture can increase polyphenol production, which is believed to have antioxidant and anti-aging properties. In addition, UV lighting can be advantageous for resin-producing plants, such as medical marijuana, by enhancing its medicinal properties.

UV LED Lamps For Water Disinfection

UV LED lamps have shown a promising future in the disinfection of water. Previously, water disinfection was carried out by UV Lamps. These UV lamps require mercury which poses serious problems when it comes to its disposal. However, On the other hand, UV LED modules are a more recent technology with several advantages. They last a very long time, use very little energy, and are simple to get rid of. UV Water disinfection has a newer technology in this field,  

The UV LED module consists of arrays of UV LED diode that emits UVC of a wavelength of 265nm, this wavelength is highly efficient in killing microorganisms and viruses.

UVC lamps act the same as traditional UV mercury lamps but there are differences in the comparison of benefits.

● UV lamp has a metal disposal problem that is difficult to handle. Hence mercury disposal poses a problem in the disposal.

● The size of LED is so compact as compared to mercury lamps so it makes it easier in integrating it into different designs.

● UV LED works quickly, it does not require any warm-up time as it was previously required in mercury-based UV lamps.

● UV LED is independent of temperature. It does not transfer heat to the water when used in a water purification system. This happens because LEDs emit photons from a different surface than their heat emissions.

● Another benefit of UV LED is that it provides the selection of the desired wavelength. Users can set them up to select a certain wavelength. according to the microorganism's sensitivity to different wavelengths.

UV LED in Treating Skin Disease

Another UV Light therapy application is the treatment of skin disease by using UVB bands.  

Scientists have discovered that the UV of wavelength 310nm has shown immense power in the metabolism of skin that helps n improving skin growth. There are the following diseases that are treatable by the use of UV Diode.

● Vitiligo: an auto-immune disease that causes long-lasting patches on the skin

● Pityriasis Rosea: a condition in which rashes appear on the skin as raised red scaly patch

● Polymorphous Light eruption: This disease is also characterized by the appearance of rashes on the skin after sun exposure. This problem arises for those who are sensitive to sunlight.

● Actinic prurigo:  In this condition, the skin becomes intensely itchy.

UV LED Uses In Medical Devices

Medical device assembly is made simpler and more affordable by UV LEDs glue. UV light has already shown immense success when it comes to the detection of microorganisms or DNS detection. It's crucial to optimize and manage UV light sources while producing reliable medical equipment.

Numerous benefits come with using an ultraviolet curing glue, including fewer energy requirements, reduced curing time and increased production, and easier automation. before manufacture. Such devices show potential in various applications including UV curing, Biomedical, DNA analysis, and other types of sensing.

UV LED in Plant Industry

There is an increasing desire to improve the growing process of plants. The growth should both be economical and will still produce favorable results for the targeted plants in light of the expansion. Either growing them in indoor or urban farming. The wavelengths of visible light and the spectrum that plants require for various functions have been the main topics. So much of the existing research is carried out on the use of LEDs in agriculture.

UVB has proven to be most effective in reducing the survival of mites and pests which are known to destroy whole crops. Exposing the crops to UV LED lights helps to maintain a healthy growing environment by reducing the growth of molds, mildew, and other plant pests.

UV Air Disinfection

UV was already being used in the disinfection of air or atmosphere. But after the COVID pandemic, UV Air Disinfection becomes the most important process in medical settings or hospitals. UV is emerging as a germicidal UV irradiation which has shown immense potential in disinfecting air. It has established disinfection technology and growing resources in combating the spread of different pathogens including the virus causing SARS-CoV-2.

However wavelengths of 200nm to 280nm this range used for this germicidal effect in disinfecting air. This wavelength is called UVC. UV LEDs diodes are semiconductor devices that are built from numerous layers of substrate materials. They can be created to accept  wavelength input and output photons in the UV-C range. The UVC has been used to prevent bacterial replication.  

Advantages Of Using UV LEDs:

● UV LED is helpful in inactivating microorganisms, viruses, cysts, and spores.

● UV LED is a physical agent used for disinfection. Compared to chemicals that pose threats while handling, making, or transporting hazardous substances.

● UV LED is user-friendly for operators. So anyone can use it.

● UV LED is space sufficient as it requires less space as compared to other methods.

● Compared to other disinfectants it requires a shorter period of time for disinfection. Within a minute, it can cleanse the surface.

Disadvantages Of Using UV LEDs:

● The low dosage of UV exposure might not kill all the organisms

● Organisms have a repair mechanism so even after exposure they might start reproducing themselves.

● UV LED setup requires preventive maintenance to avoid fouling.

● UV LED is also not cost-effective.

If you are considering purchasing a UV LED light and have any questions that require clarification, please contact Zhuhai Tianhui Electronic.  

Zhuhai Tianhui Electronic is one of the best UV LED manufacturers and We're here to provide you with the guidance and assistance you need to make an educated decision when purchasing a UV LED light.