SemiLEDs Corp, has released two new UV-LED product series, the 10-watt high-power N9 series, and the 0.17 to 0.50-watt mid-power P50N series. According to proprietary vertical LED structure, both product series are designed for industrial applications including printing, coating, curing, signage and medical or cosmetic uses.

The N9 series, placed in a 9mm x 9mm ceramic package, is offered in wavelengths from 385nm to 420nm in 5nm bins. Drive currents up to 1000mA provides typical output of 5000mW of optical power at the nominal 350mA drive rate at 30V. The lambertian output distribution is compatible with secondary optics to allow precise control of the high-intensity UV light.

Compared with the standard 1000-4000 hour life of the incumbent UV lamp technologies, vertical UV-LED systems can last for 50,000 hours under optimal thermal management conditions. In addition, the instant on/off function and a compact point-source make SemiLEDs N9 UV-LED compatible with a wide variety of optics, so it allows solution integrators to eliminate maintenance-intensive components such as mechanical shutters or focusing windows. High-output UV sources are commonly used in semiconductor and electronic photo-resistive etching or processing, as well as high-throughput printing systems, and larger scale industrial bonding or curing applications, often eliminating the need for toxic solvents.

The mid-power P50N UV-LED series consists of a complete product series available for 0.17, 0.34 and 0.50-watt drive options, providing 140mW of output, for wavelengths from 385nm to 420nm in 5nm bins. The 5mm x 5mm package is fit for integration into compact arrays or for high-reliability backlight elements in UV-driven signage. The multiple choices of output combinations make the system integrator's task easier by allowing a common design platform for portable device applications.

With the addition of the high-power N9, and mid-power P50N series, SemiLEDs has really opened up that area of the industrial market where both very high-output single UV-LED sources, and cost-effective UV-LED arrays, have not previously been available. Given the key advantages that UV-LEDs bring to the market, include increased efficiency and lifetime, reduction of hazardous substances, and the virtual elimination of heat in the beam. This advanced technology is expected to displace the inefficient, short-lifetime incumbents in the near future.