New record in US research, short-wavelength deep-UV LED light power improvement

Researchers at Sensor Electronic Technology (SET) in Columbia, South Carolina, have set a record to increase the light output of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with wavelengths less than 250 nm to 2 mW (see Applied Physics Letters for details). APL), Vol. 96, 2010, p061102). They also studied the effect of the deep ultraviolet LED (wavelength less than 300 nm) efficiency of the AlGaN semiconductor material system in the 245-247 nm wavelength range decreasing with increasing current.

Dr. Michael Shur, who is also a professor at the Resselaer Polytechnic Institute, commented: "SET has broken its own record of 5 years less than 340nm LEDs, and is still a deep-UV LED device with a peak wavelength less than 350nm. The only commercial supplier. The company has also developed the next generation of large-area devices with higher output power."

Possible applications for deep UV LED devices include gas detection, bioprobing, sterilization, and lithography. SET currently offers UV and deep ultraviolet (400-240nm) LED light sources, as well as devices based on the above for air and water purification, fluorometers/spectrometers. Improvements in optical output power, efficiency, and reliability can further improve device performance. As with other nitride-based devices, material quality is a primary consideration. Other issues such as p-doping of AlGaN, optimization of deep ultraviolet light extraction, and improvements in device processing. (LEDC editorial translation)