The LED lighting industry outlook for invisible LED business opportunities has been increasingly optimistic, with many international and Taiwanese companies jumping in this new blue sea market. Japanese, Korean, European and American manufacturers are all developing UV LEDs for curing, sterilization, medical, water and air purification systems. Security and retina recognition markets that require IR LED, are also presenting new business and technology opportunities for LED companies specializing in these fields. Among Taiwanese LED manufacturers, epiwafer manufacturers including Epistar are actively developing UV-C LEDs with domestic and oversea clients. UV-C LED wavelengths have a high technology entry level, which in the future is expected to generate higher profits.

Epileds, which has received investments from Taiwanese casting manufacturer Catcher Technology, showed significant developments in UV LED. The company also received UV LED die orders from High Power Lighting, shortly after the latter company was listed as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) security on Taiwan’s bourse earlier this month. The UV LED die orders from High Power Lighting are aimed at packaging the dies into UV LED chips for international and domestic market clients.

IR LED packages. (LEDinside)

Moreover, Epileds has also received a large OEM order from a large company. Following Epileds planned construction of a new factory in Tree Valley Park in Tainan, Taiwan, its production capacity will be expanded and even more comprehensive by 2016. The UV LED company is the only company in the industry that has shown significant profits.

Epileds specializes in LED chips with special wavelengths, such as UV LED and IR LED chips. The company offers various LED chip structures including vertical-chip LED, flip chip, and vertical-like LED (BH). BH LED chips have a similar structure with vertical LED chips, the only difference is the anode (p-side) and cathode (n-side) are on the same side. This simplifies the bonding process during series-parallel connections. Epileds has also taken into consideration the current for different package application types. For instance the company has developed 4545, 4242, 3636, 2020 and 1515 LEDs to clients, while diversifying their options. The company’s main clients include commercial nail curing devices, curing machines, and exposurers.

High Power Lighting, which was just recently listed on Taiwan’s bourse, has a strong foundation in invisible LED package, and has been cooperating with Taiwanese and international companies. Currently, High Power Lighting procures UV-A LED dies from Epileds, and has great potential in developing products for other wavelength markets. UV light sources are used by many industries, hence, demand for UV LEDs has been high. Additionally, UV LED lifetime is much shorter than average LEDs, as a result the replacement demand is continuous. It is estimated High Power Lighting’s revenue will continue to grow in 2016.