Osram Opto Semiconductors, a subsidiary of German lighting company OSRAM, formally introduced its first UV-C LED product to the public on December 14. Designated as Oslon UV 3636, this LED package represents OSRAM’s initial foray into the UV-C segment of the growing UV LED market. Regarding specifications, Oslon UV 3636 is sized 36mm by 3.6mm. Its wavelength of 275nm is suited for various disinfection applications. The package comes in two version: low-power and mid-power. The low-power version outputs 4.5mW at 30mA, whereas the mid-power version outputs 42mW at 350mA.


Source: OSRAM

Christian Leirer, product manager for UV-C at Osram Opto, stated via a press release that Oslon UV 3636 is the first in a series of new offerings from his company for the UV-C segment. He added that a new high-power UV-C LED product will debut in early 2021.

OSRAM touts that its UV-C LEDs have the advantages of being compact and available in different power classes. Therefore, they can be easily integrated into various devices and have the UV light directly contact the objects or substances that are being disinfected. An application example is a faucet with a UV-C LED lamp incorporated into its aerator for killing germs in the flowing water. Another example is UV-C LED lamps embedded in the filter of an automotive HVAC system. They purify the air before it enters the interior of the car.


Source: OSRAM

There are concerns about the danger that UV-C radiation poses to the human body. OSRAM says that a source of high-energy, short-wave UV-C light can be directly integrated into the device in such a way that the light is focused on a small spot and does not reach the surrounding area. Additionally, LEDs are strong structurally and can withstand external shocks. All in all, OSRAM guarantees that its UV-C LEDs are safe to use.

Besides the UV-C segment, OSRAM is also actively expanding its presence in the UV-A segment. This September, the automotive business unit of OSRAM released an in-vehicle air purifier called the AirZing Mini. It uses 360-370nm UV-A LEDs and a titanium dioxide filter to remove 99.9% of the viruses and bacteria from the air.

Although there are indications in the market that the demand for UV LED products in the second half of this year is not as strong as in the first half, regular disinfection has become the norm in many social settings. With many parts of the world bracing for a new wave of COVID-19 outbreaks this winter, demand is expected to keep growing for disinfection devices featuring UV LEDs.

OSRAM and other major LED lighting companies such as MLS and Signify are investing heavily in the development of UV LED products, thus signifying that this market has a huge growth potential. As OSRAM and other technology leaders drive product development, the commercialization of many UV LED solutions may be just around the corner.

(The above article is an English translation of Chinese content provided by LEDinside.)