VACUUM ULTRAVIOLET LAMP WITH A FUTURE IN HEALTHCARE

Japanese team has created low power, high energy UV lamp with industrial applications

Using ultraviolet (UV) light for sterilization is not new, but remains expensive. It holds particular advantages in the field of medical device sterilization, as UV light is extremely effective at killing dangerous parasites and pathogens which may be resistant to chemical disinfectants. However, existing vacuum UV lamps are heavy, consume a lot of power and have short lifespans.

Fortunately, a team of Japanese researchers may have found a solution. The team, made up of academics from five different institutions, has created a solid state lamp capable of emitting high-energy UV light, using a relatively low amount of energy. The new prototype has a solid state phosphor fabricated from a thin film of KMgF3 – which is less costly than other lamps and doesn’t need toxic gasses. The results, so far, are promising and the new lamp may one day be a frontline tool in the fight against medical infections.