News: LEDs
24 April 2025
NS Nanotech boosts power of far-UVC disinfection light source by over 60%
NS Nanotech Inc of Ann Arbor, MI, USA — a University of Michigan Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) spin-off co-founded by professor Zetian Mi in 2017 that develops gallium nitride nanowire LEDs for visible displays and UVC disinfection applications — has increased the power output of its far-UVC ShortWaveLight 215 semiconductor emitter by more than 60% to deliver more effective human-safe disinfection of air and surfaces in occupied spaces. Version 1.1 of the ShortWaveLight 215 Emitter generates 500μW of radiant energy, enough power to constantly disinfect a cubic meter of air in an office cubicle, automobile interior, airplane cabin, or other confined space.
Introduced in September 2024, the ShortWaveLight 215 Emitter is claimed to be the world’s only solid-state semiconductor to produce 215nm far-UVC light. Far-UVC light at wavelengths of 200–230nm neutralizes airborne pathogens that cause COVID, measles, TB, bird flu and numerous other deadly diseases. Also, because the short far-UVC wavelength doesn’t easily penetrate skin or eyes, it can be safer to use in occupied areas than traditional forms of UVC light used for disinfection at 254nm and other longer wavelengths.
NS Nanotech has increased the output power of its proprietary 1cm-diameter semiconductor disk embedded in the device from 300μW to 500μW of 215nm far-UVC light.
“The additional power output we have achieved with our ShortWaveLight 215 semiconductor chip opens up new pathways for far-UVC photonic disinfection applications,” says CEO & co-founder Seth Coe-Sullivan. “Equally important, Version 1.1 demonstrates the potential for rapid additional ongoing improvements,” he adds. “We’ve increased power output by increasing device efficiency, so this new level of effectiveness is achieved at the same input power levels as the Version 1.0 device.”
Proprietary solid-state disinfection application advantages
Unlike gas-based 222nm krypton-chloride far-UVC lamps, the ShortWaveLight 215 Emitter utilizes a solid-state semiconductor that runs cool and enables a small form factor for easy integration into disinfection products designed for close-quarters applications. Also, unlike semiconductor-based UVC LEDs, which suffer steep reductions in efficiency at wavelengths shorter than 230nm, it efficiently delivers 215nm far-UVC light.
Options for improving gas lamps are limited because their performance is largely fixed by the gases available in the periodic table. NS Nanotech’s semiconductor-based solution offers the ability to dynamically adjust output — allowing users to ‘dial up or dial down’ power and to configure other features to optimize performance across different air and surface disinfection applications.
“The beauty of working with semiconductor technology is our ability to develop and deliver constant improvements in far-UVC disinfection performance, starting with power output and, eventually, additional form factors and longer product lifetimes,” says Coe-Sullivan.
Integrated module for easy installation in confined occupied spaces
NS Nanotech is shipping a ShortWaveLight 215 Module that integrates a compact power supply with the emitter in a modular product design for easy installation in confined occupied spaces where other ultraviolet light sources cannot be easily deployed. Running on a standard 12V power source, the power supply is connected to the emitter by a flexible set of wires providing disinfection application designers with optimal flexibility.
The ShortWaveLight 215 Emitter lamp is about 2-inches wide by 3-inches high, and the separate power supply is compact and slim at less than two cubic inches.
“The power supply and emitter lamp can be aligned vertically, stacked side-by side, or angled in whatever ways work best for any close-quarters application,” says Coe-Sullivan. “You can bundle the emitter and power supply in a 45° configuration to fit neatly into the junction of the ceilings and walls of buses, ambulances, and other vehicles. And the modules are also small and narrow enough to flush-mount behind a wall.”
Expanding potential markets for pandemic prevention
With its compact 215nm far-UVC light source, NS Nanotech intends to help expand the universe of human-safe disinfection applications, especially in small, occupied spaces where far-UVC disinfection was previously impractical or impossible. The ShortWaveLight 215 Module is designed to be the most cost-effective source of far-UVC light, with breakthrough prices set to encourage developers to design and deliver new, affordable photonic disinfection applications for many new markets.
The single-unit price for a module sample integrating the emitter and power supply is $350, less than half the existing cost of comparable alternative sources of far-UVC light. Coe-Sullivan says that volume price reductions will also be available as production of the module scales to meet demand from application developers marketing end-products. NS Nanotech has sold emitter samples to developers working on a range of applications for vehicles, lighting systems, medical services, and other opportunities for close-quarters disinfection.
“By combining the benefits of an efficient solid-state semiconductor with the power of far-UVC light, our ShortWaveLight 215 Emitter opens up entirely new possibilities for photonic disinfection applications that will take the fight directly to SARS-COV2, H5N1 avian flu, measles, TB, polio, and many pathogens that threaten to cause future pandemics,” Coe-Sullivan concludes .
NS Nanotech releases first solid-state semiconductor to produce human-safe disinfecting UV light
