Sec-Eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 by AlGaN Based High Power Deep Ultraviolet Light Source

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Microbiology

Background:

• The global spread of COVID-19 necessitates efficient, non-disruptive sterilization methods.
• Deep ultraviolet (UVC) light shows promise for pathogen inactivation.
• Advancements in semiconductor technology are crucial for developing effective UVC light sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-power deep ultraviolet (UVC) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for rapid sterilization.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of UVC LEDs in eliminating SARS-CoV-2.
• To explore the potential of UVC-LED technology for disinfection applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-quality Aluminum Nitride (AlN) templates with low threading dislocation density (≈6×10⁸ cm^-2).
• Optimized deep ultraviolet (UVC) light-emitting diode (LED) structure design and epitaxy.
• Developed an industry-chain-covered product for sterilization irradiation.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-power UVC LEDs and an ultra-high-power sterilization irradiation source.
• Demonstrated complete elimination of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in 1 second.
• Validated the effectiveness of the developed UVC-LED product for rapid disinfection.

Conclusions:

• High-quality AlN templates and optimized UVC LED epitaxy enable powerful disinfection tools.
• UVC-LED technology offers a fast and effective solution for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.
• This advancement holds significant potential for UVC-LED disinfection in public health and beyond.