Physics World June 16, 2020
Researchers in Germany have developed a prototype device that incorporates emerging LED technology. It features an array of 118 LEDs spread over an area of 64 cm2 and emitting UV light at a wavelength of around 230 nm. The setup delivered a maximum irradiation power of 0.2 mW/cm2 over an area of 36 cm2, with 90% uniformity. They assess the performance of their device using tissue samples of both skin and mucous membrane to determine the extent of damage to DNA caused by varying doses of light and compare the pathogen-killing effectiveness of the radiation compared with other UV light at other wavelengths. Since the LEDs involved have low voltages, and convey little heat or strain to the skin. The research may lead to miniaturized devices which could be incorporated into endoscopes, most importantly, it could also allow doctors to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19…read more.
Bug killer: prototype of the short wavelength UV LED irradiation system with 118 LEDs. The inset shows a detail of the LED array. Credit: FBH/P. Immerz