Overcoming technological limitations by applying vertical chip technology to maximize optical output

LG Innotek has developed a UV-C LED with a sterilization ultraviolet output of 100 milliwatts (mW). It succeeded in developing the technology two years ahead of industry forecasts that it would not be possible until 2020.

UV-C LEDs are advanced semiconductor light sources designed to emit ultraviolet rays with short wavelengths of 200 to 280 nanometers (nm). Also known as 'Deep UV LEDs,' they are used in sterilization or curing devices to destroy bacterial DNA and induce chemical reactions in special materials. The wavelength of the UV-C LED developed by LG Innotek is 278 nm.

With UV-C LEDs, higher light output allows for the creation of more powerful sterilization devices, but ensuring stable quality is very difficult due to factors such as heat generation. Even Japanese companies that have led the market planned to launch 100mW UV-C LEDs in 2020.

LG Innotek overcame technological limitations by applying an epitaxial structure and vertical chip technology that maximize light extraction. It ensured stable quality by increasing UV output and effectively dissipating heat. With a single 100mW UV-C LED, it can emit sterilizing UV rays for over 10,000 hours that are 50 times more powerful than a 2mW product for small home appliances.

With LG Innotek's development of a 100mW optical output product, UV-C LEDs can now be applied to a wider range of fields. It can rapidly sterilize flowing water or even air without the worry of chemical disinfectants, making it suitable for use in household appliances such as water purifiers and air purifiers, as well as in HVAC systems and water treatment devices for buildings and automobiles.

Most existing UV-C LEDs have a light output of 1 to 2 mW and were mainly used in portable sterilizers or small home appliances. It was difficult to expand their applications because the ultraviolet output was too weak to sterilize fast-flowing water or air.

LG Innotek has been discussing the development of various sterilization devices with several global companies and has been continuously receiving requests to launch high-output UV-C LEDs, so it expects the demand for 100mW UV-C LEDs to increase rapidly.

Will lead market growth with unrivaled technology

LG Innotek plans to accelerate its efforts to secure leadership in the UV LED market. In particular, the company believes it is confident in its market penetration, having proven unrivaled technological capabilities in the UV-C field, which offers superior sterilization and curing performance.

In fact, LG Innotek is expected to rank second in the global UV LED manufacturer rankings this year, jumping two spots from last year. The company is recognized for its quality competitiveness by introducing innovative products, such as LED modules for sterilizing water purifier faucets and UV LED sterilizers for escalator handrails, ahead of Japanese competitors.

According to market research firm LED Inside, the UV LED market is expected to expand more than threefold from $166 million last year to $526 million in 2020. Among these, UV-C LEDs are expected to lead growth, increasing approximately ninefold from $28 million to $244 million during the same period.

"UV-C LEDs are highly versatile as eco-friendly sterilization light sources that are small in size, long-lasting, and free of heavy metals," said an LG Innotek official. "We will continue to introduce innovative products, widen the technological gap with competitors, and lead the market."