On the Quantum Yield Determination of UV Emitting Up-Converters

This work deals with the determination of the external quantum yield of some selected inorganic up-conversion materials, which are able to convert blue light, as typically emitted using blue (In,Ga)N LEDs, into UV radiation. Recently, these materials have drawn tremendous attention due to their potential application in antimicrobial coatings of surfaces. To judge the viability of this approach to reduce the density of germs onto arbitrary surfaces upon indoor or outdoor illumination, the quantum efficiency for the conversion of blue light into UV is of large interest. We found that the quantum efficiency is between about 0.1% and 1%, which might be good enough if the illumination of the respective surface is performed for several hours. Then, a relevant reduction of the number of active microorganisms per area can be achieved.