New UV LEDs Combine 10X Longer Lifespan and Up To 50% Cost Savings

The RoHs compliant QuasarBrite UV LEDs are now available in standard 355nm, 365nm and 377nm wavelengths in a through-hole format. They are ideally suited for a wide range of applications including:



security (counterfeit detection for currency, passports and other travel documents)

forensic (applications related to forensic analysis of bodily fluids)

photo catalyst (for air and water purifier applications in homes, offices and automobiles)



“Previously widespread use of UV LED technology, especially in the shorter UV wavelengths, was hindered because the materials used in the epoxy LED lens degraded the lifespan of UV LEDs to less than 5,000 hours,” explained Kay Fernandez, Product Technology Manager at Lumex. “Recent technological developments have allowed the epoxy lenses to be replaced by a robust TO-46 package with a glass lens, making it possible for QuasarBrite UVs to last 10 times longer- with life spans of over than 50,000 hours.”



In addition to enhanced life span, QuasarBrite UV LEDs provide several key benefits compared to alternative technologies like CCFLs. QuasarBrite UV LEDs provide a uniform beam pattern. To match this performance CCFLs would require a secondary lens resulting in additional cost and space investment. Additionally, QuasarBrite UV LEDs do not use the hazardous mercury material found in CCFL technology and are more durable in their design, thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs. Finally, Lumex’s UV LEDs have up to 70% lower energy consumption than CCFLs. These factors combined allow Lumex’s QuasarBrite UV LEDs to provide up to a 50% cost savings compared to CCFLs.



“Because of significant cost and performance benefits UV LEDs provide over alternative technologies such as CCFLs, there is a dramatic growth in demand for UV LED technology worldwide,” explained Fernandez. “Lumex now offers a total of six standard UV wavelengths (355, 365, 377, 385, 405 and 415nm) as well as an almost limitless number of custom options to meet the needs of this growing market.”



The new 355nm, 365nm and 377nm QuasarBrite UV LEDs feature a 80° viewing angle and operating temperature range from -40°C to 100°C. Samples of these devices are available immediately from stock. Standard and custom production lead times range from 18-20 weeks. Pricing is dependent on quantity ordered, and is approximately $20 to $28 per unit in production quantities dependent on size and quantity ordered.