Light source with disinfection function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light-generating system 1000 configured to generate a system light 1001, the light-generating system 1000 comprising a first light-generating device 110, (A) the first light-generating device 110 comprising a first light source 10 and a first luminescence converter 210, (B) the first light source 10 comprising a solid-state light source, the first light source 10 having a first light source centroid wavelength λ selected from the range of 380 to 420 nm. s,1 (C) the first luminescence converter 210 converts at least a portion of the first source light 11 into a first converter centroid wavelength λ selected from the green to yellow wavelength range. c,1 and (D) the first light-generating device 110 is configured to generate a first device light 111 having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light 11 and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light 211.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light generation system and to an illumination device comprising such a light generation system.Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for treating at least a part of a space or an object. [Background technology]

[0002] Light sources that emit light with power within the 390-420 nm range of the spectral power distribution are known in the art. For example, US2020 / 0390915 describes a light source for emitting radiation having a spectral power distribution (SPD), the light source having a plurality of emitters including at least two violet solid-state emitters with different peak wavelengths, the emitted light having a chromaticity within a Duv distance of less than 5E-3 from the Planckian locus, the chromaticity being calculated using the CIE 1964 10° CMF, and at least 25% of the power within the SPD is within the range of 390-420 nm.

[0003] US 2020 / 390915 A1 discloses a light source for emitting radiation having an SPD, the light source having (a) a plurality of light emitters including at least one violet solid-state light emitter, and (b) at least one phosphor, wherein the light emitters and the at least one phosphor are configured such that at least 25% of the power in the SPD is within a range of 390 to 420 nm, and the emitted light has a chromaticity that is within a Duv distance of less than 5 points from the Planckian locus.

[0004] US 2016030610 A1 discloses a lighting fixture, comprising at least one first light source emitting at a peak wavelength within a range of about 380 nm to about 420 nm and at least one second light source emitting at a different peak wavelength, wherein the combined light output of the at least one first light source and the at least one second light source produces a colored light that is perceived as white light. The white light is defined by having a color rendering index (CRI) value of greater than about 50. The at least one second light source emitting at a different peak wavelength is comprised of xy coordinates in the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 xy color space diagram above the black body curve within a bounded area defined by a first line at about y=2.23989x-0.382773 and a second line at about y=1.1551x-0.195082. The combined light output has a percentage of its spectral energy measured within the range of about 380 nm to about 420 nm that is greater than about 20%.

[0005] US 2017 / 030555 A1 discloses a device for inactivating microorganisms. The device includes a light emitter and at least one light conversion material configured to convert at least a portion of the light from the light emitter. Any light emitted from the light emitter and the converted light emitted from the at least one light conversion material mix to form a combined light, the combined light having a percentage of spectral energy measured within a range of about 380 nm to about 420 nm greater than about 20 percent. In another embodiment, the device includes a light emitter configured to emit light having a wavelength within a range of 380 to 420 nm, and at least one light conversion material configured to emit a second light, the light including at least one optical brightener. The first light exiting the device and the second light exiting the device mix to form a combined light, the combined light being white. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] UV light has been used for disinfection for over 100 years. Wavelengths between about 190 nm and 300 nm can be strongly absorbed by nucleic acids, which can cause defects in the genome of organisms. This can be desirable for inactivating (killing) bacteria and viruses, but can have undesirable side effects for humans. Therefore, in environments where people may be present, such as offices, public transport, cinemas, restaurants, stores, etc., the choice of radiation wavelength, radiation intensity, and duration of exposure may be limited, thus limiting the disinfection capabilities. Especially in such environments, additional disinfection measures may be advantageous to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as influenza or novel (corona) viruses, such as COVID-19, SARS, and MERS.

[0007] It would be desirable to produce a system that offers an alternative way of treating air, such as disinfection. Furthermore, existing systems for disinfection may not be easily implemented in existing infrastructures, such as existing buildings, such as offices, hospitality areas, etc., and / or may not be easily accommodating larger spaces. This may again increase the risk of contamination. Furthermore, integration into HVAC systems may not provide the desired effect and may appear relatively complicated. Furthermore, existing systems may not be efficient or may be relatively bulky and may not be easily integrated into functional devices, such as lighting fixtures.

[0008] Other disinfection systems may use one or more anti-microbial and / or anti-viral measures to disinfect a space or object. Examples of such measures may be chemicals that may raise concerns. For example, the chemicals may be harmful to people or pets.

[0009] In an embodiment, the disinfecting light may in particular have ultraviolet (UV) radiation (and / or optionally violet radiation), i.e., the light may have a wavelength selected from the ultraviolet wavelength range (and / or optionally the violet wavelength range). However, other wavelengths are not excluded herein. The ultraviolet wavelength range is defined as light within the wavelength range from 100 nm to 380 nm, and can be divided into different types of UV light / UV wavelength ranges (Table 1). Different UV wavelengths of radiation may have different characteristics and therefore may be differently compatible with human presence and may be differently effective when used for disinfection (Table 1). [Table 1]

[0010] Each UV type / wavelength range may have different advantages and / or disadvantages. Relevant aspects may be (relative) germicidal effectiveness, safety (regarding radiation), and ozone generation (as a result of its radiation). Depending on the application, a particular type of UV light, or a particular combination of types of UV light, may be selected to perform better than other types of UV light. UV-A may be (relatively) safe, may inactivate (kill) bacteria, but may be less effective at inactivating (killing) viruses. UV-B may be (relatively) safe when low doses (i.e., low exposure times and / or low intensities) are used, may inactivate (kill) bacteria, and may be moderately effective at inactivating (killing) viruses. UV-B may also have the additional advantage that it can be effectively used in the production of vitamin D in human or animal skin. Near-UV-C may be relatively dangerous, but may effectively inactivate, especially kill, bacteria and viruses. Far UV-C may also be effective in inactivating (killing) bacteria and viruses, but may be (rather) safe (relative to other UV-C wavelength ranges). Far UV light may generate some ozone that may be harmful to humans and animals. Extreme UV-C may also be effective in inactivating (killing) bacteria and viruses, but may be relatively dangerous. Extreme UV-C may generate ozone that may be undesirable if exposed to humans or animals. In some applications, ozone may be desirable and may contribute to disinfection, but in those cases, its shielding from humans and animals may be desired. Thus, a "+" for ozone generation in the table means that ozone is generated that may be useful, particularly for disinfection applications, but may be harmful to humans / animals if they are exposed to it. Thus, this "+" may actually be undesirable in many applications, but may be desirable in others.The types of lights shown in the table above may be used in embodiments to sanitize air and / or surfaces.

[0011] The terms "inactivate" and "kill" in relation to a virus may, as used herein, refer in particular to damaging the virus so that it is no longer able to infect and / or grow in a host cell, i.e., so that the virus may be (essentially) harmless after inactivation or killing.

[0012] As shown by M. McLean et al. in Journal of Hospital Infection, Vol. 88, No. 1, September 2014, pp. 1-11, https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.jhin.2014.06.004, incorporated herein by reference, violet-blue light, particularly 405 nm light, has significant antibacterial properties against a variety of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Furthermore, R. Rathnasinghe et al. in Scientific Reports https: / / doi:10.1038 / s41598-021-97797-0 and / or doi: https: / / doi.org / 10.1101 / 2021.03.14.435337 appear to show increased sensitivity of important lipid-enveloped respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19) and influenza A viruses to 405 nm visible light in the absence of an exogenous photosensitizer, suggesting a potential, porphyrin-independent, alternative mechanism of visible light-mediated viral inactivation.

[0013] The application of such light may not be straightforward as it may undesirably change the spectral characteristics of the light, making it unattractive to people, or may result in other undesirable effects, such as an uncomfortable environment for working or relaxing.

[0014] It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative light-generating system, which preferably also at least partially obviates one or more of the above disadvantages. The present invention may aim to eliminate or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a light-generating system configured to generate system light. In particular, the light-generating system comprises a first light-generating device. In an embodiment, the first light-generating device may comprise a first light source and a first luminescent converter. In particular, the first light source may comprise a solid-state light source. In a particular embodiment, the first light source has a first light source centroid wavelength (λ 2 ) selected in particular from the range of 380 to 430 nm, more in particular from 380 to 420 nm. s,1 ) in a further embodiment, the first luminescence converter may be configured to convert at least a portion of the first source light into a first converter light. The first converter light may be configured to generate a first source light having a first converter centroid wavelength (λ c,1). In particular, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light comprising the first light source light and the first converter light. In particular, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the first light source light and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. Therefore, in particular, the present invention in an embodiment provides a light-generating system configured to generate system light, the light-generating system comprising a first light-generating device, (A) the first light-generating device comprising a first light source and a first luminescence converter, (B) the first light source comprising a solid-state light source, the first light source having a first light source centroid wavelength (λ ) selected from the range of 380 to 430 nm, more particularly 380 to 420 nm. s,1 ), and (C) the first luminescence converter is configured to convert at least a portion of the first source light into a first converter centroid wavelength (λ ) selected from a green to yellow wavelength range. c,1 (E) the first light-generating device is configured to generate a first device light comprising the first light source light and the first converter light, more particularly configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the first light source light and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. In a particular embodiment, the first light-generating device may be combined with a second light-generating device different from the first light-generating device and configured to generate (in an operational mode) a white system light (see also below).

[0016] In such a system, it is possible to provide light, such as a white or whitish (system) light, with the effect that the viral and / or bacterial load may be reduced by the short wavelength radiation of the first light-generating device. Furthermore, the presence of luminescent material in the first light-generating device appears to increase efficiency and / or efficacy. In such a system, it may also be possible to provide light for a specific purpose, such as general lighting, accent lighting, wall washing, etc., while at the same time, or optionally alternating, light may be provided that may reduce the viral and / or bacterial load. Furthermore, in embodiments, it is possible to provide a white (system) light with an additional effect, i.e. the viral and / or bacterial load may be reduced, by the (white type) light added via the first light-generating device to the white light of the second light-generating device (see also below). Furthermore, in the present system, a functional light may be provided with a higher efficiency than simply providing a short wavelength radiation. Thus, the present invention may also provide a system capable of providing a white light with a color point close to the black body locus, and with a significant reduction in the viral and / or bacterial load.

[0017] As mentioned above, the light-generating system may be configured in particular to generate a system light. In an embodiment, in an operational mode, the system light may comprise the first device light. In other operational modes (if any), the system light may also comprise other lights if the system comprises one or more other types of light-generating devices (see also embodiments below).

[0018] The first light-generating device may comprise one or more first light sources, the one or more light sources being configured to generate a first source light.

[0019] The term "light source" may in principle relate to any light source known in the art. It may be a conventional (tungsten) light bulb, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an LED (light-emitting diode). In a particular embodiment, the light source comprises a solid-state LED light source (such as an LED or a laser diode (or "diode laser")). The term "light source" may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2 to 200 (solid-state) LED light sources. Thus, the term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Furthermore, the term "light source" may also refer in embodiments to so-called chip-on-board (COB) light sources. The term "COB" refers in particular to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip that is not encapsulated or connected, but is directly mounted on a substrate such as a PCB. Thus, several light-emitting semiconductor light sources may be arranged on the same substrate. In an embodiment, the COB is a multi-LED chip arranged together as a single lighting module.

[0020] The light source may have a light escape surface. For conventional light sources like light bulbs or fluorescent lamps, the light escape surface may be the outer surface of a glass or quartz envelope. In the case of an LED, the light escape surface may for example be the LED die or, if a resin is applied to the LED die, the outer surface of the resin. In principle, the light escape surface may also be the end of a fiber. The term escape surface particularly relates to the part of the light source where the light actually leaves or escapes from the light source. The light source is configured to provide a light beam. This light beam escapes from the light exit surface of the light source.

[0021] Similarly, the light-generating device may include a light escape surface, such as an end window.Further, similarly, the light-generating system may include a light escape surface, such as an end window.

[0022] The term "light source" may refer to a semiconductor light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSEL), an edge emitting laser, etc. The term "light source" may also refer to an organic light emitting diode (OLED), such as a passive matrix (PMOLED) or active matrix (AMOLED). In certain embodiments, the light source comprises a solid state light source (such as an LED or a laser diode). In embodiments, the light source comprises an LED (light emitting diode). The term "light source" or "solid state light source" may also refer to a superluminescent diode (SLED). The term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs.

[0023] The term "light source" may also refer to multiple (essentially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2 to 2000 solid-state light sources. In embodiments, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (array of microlenses) downstream of a single solid-state light source, such as an LED, or downstream of multiple solid-state light sources (i.e. shared, for example, by multiple LEDs). In embodiments, the light source may comprise an LED with on-chip optics. In embodiments, the light source comprises a single pixelated LED (with or without optics) (in embodiments providing on-chip beam steering).

[0024] In an embodiment, the light source may be configured to provide a primary radiation to be used as such, for example a blue light source such as a blue LED, or a green light source such as a green LED, and a red light source such as a red LED. Such LEDs, which may not include a luminescent material ("phosphor"), may be denoted direct color LEDs.

[0025] However, in other embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide a primary radiation, a portion of which is converted into a secondary radiation. The secondary radiation may be based on conversion by a luminescent material. The secondary radiation may therefore also be referred to as luminescent material radiation. The luminescent material may in embodiments be included by the light source, such as an LED with a luminescent material layer or dome that includes the luminescent material. Such an LED may be referred to as a phosphor converted LED or PC LED. In other embodiments, the luminescent material may be configured at some distance from the light source ("remote"), such as an LED with a luminescent material layer that is not in physical contact with the LED die. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light source may be a light source that, in operation, emits light at least at a wavelength selected from the range of 380 to 470 nm. However, other wavelengths may also be possible. This light may be partially used by the luminescent material.

[0026] In embodiments, the light-generating device may comprise a luminescent material. In embodiments, the light-generating device may comprise a PC LED. In other embodiments, the light-generating device may comprise a direct LED (i.e. no phosphor). In embodiments, the light-generating device may comprise a laser device, such as a laser diode. In embodiments, the light-generating device may comprise a superluminescent diode. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light source may be selected from the group of laser diodes and superluminescent diodes. In other embodiments, the light source may comprise an LED.

[0027] The light source may be configured to generate a source light having, among other things, an optical axis (O), a (beam shape), and a spectral power distribution. The source light may, in embodiments, have one or more bands having a bandwidth as known for lasers.

[0028] The term "light source" may therefore refer to a light generating element itself, e.g. a solid-state light source, or may refer to a package of one or more of said light generating elements, e.g. a solid-state light source, and an element containing a luminescent material, and (other) optics, e.g. a lens, a collimator. A light conversion element ("conversion element" or "converter") may have an element containing a luminescent material. A solid-state light source itself, e.g. a blue LED, is a light source. A combination of a solid-state light source (e.g. a light generating element) and a light conversion element optically coupled to said solid-state light source, e.g. a blue LED and a light conversion element, may also be a light source (but may also be referred to as a light generating device). A white LED is therefore a light source (but may also be referred to as a (white) light generating device).

[0029] The term "light source" as used herein may refer to light sources including solid state light sources such as LEDs or laser diodes or superluminescent diodes.

[0030] The term "light source" may therefore also refer in embodiments to a light source that is (also) based on conversion of light, such as a light source in combination with a luminescence conversion material. The term "light source" may therefore also refer to a combination of an LED and a luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the radiation of the LED, or a combination of a (diode) laser and a luminescent material configured to convert at least a portion of the radiation of the (diode) laser.

[0031] In embodiments, the term "light source" may refer to a combination of a light source, such as an LED, and an optical filter that may change the spectral power distribution of the light generated by the light source. In particular, the term "light-generating device" may be used to refer to a light source and further optical components, such as optical filters and / or beam shaping elements.

[0032] The phrases "different light sources" or "multiple different light sources" and similar phrases may, in embodiments, refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Similarly, the phrases "same light source" or "multiple identical light sources" and similar phrases may, in embodiments, refer to multiple solid-state light sources selected from the same bin.

[0033] The terms "solid-state light source" or "solid-state material light source" and similar terms may refer, among other things, to semiconductor light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), diode lasers, or superluminescent diodes.

[0034] In particular, the term "light-generating device" may refer to devices that include solid-state light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0035] As mentioned above, the light-generating system may comprise a first light-generating device. The term "first light-generating device" may also refer to a plurality of first light-generating devices, where two or more of the plurality of first light-generating devices may be the same and / or where two or more of the plurality of first light-generating devices may be different. In particular, the first light-generating device may comprise a first light source and a first luminescence converter.

[0036] In an embodiment, the first light source may comprise a solid-state light source. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the term "first light source" may also refer to a plurality of first light sources, where two or more of the plurality of first light sources may be the same and / or where two or more of the plurality of first light sources may be different. In particular, the first light source may comprise a solid-state light source, such as a laser diode or an LED, in particular an LED. In particular, if there are two or more first light sources, the first light sources may be of the same bin.

[0037] In embodiments, the first light source may be configured to generate a first light source light having a wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 380 to 430 nm, more particularly from the wavelength range of 380 to 420 nm, more particularly from the range of 395 to 415 nm, even more particularly from the range of 400 to 410 nm. More particularly, the first light source may be configured to generate a first light source light having a peak wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 380 to 430 nm, more particularly from the range of 380 to 420 nm, even more particularly from the range of 400 to 410 nm, such as from 395 to 415 nm in embodiments.

[0038] Further, in an embodiment, the first light source has a first light source centroid wavelength (λ 2 ) selected from the range of 380 to 430 nm, more particularly 380 to 420 nm. s,1 ) such light may be capable of reducing viral and / or bacterial load. More particularly, the first light source may be configured to generate a first light source light having a first light source centroid wavelength (λ s,1 ) may be selected from the range of 395 to 415 nm. In particular, a wavelength around 405 nm may be suitable. Thus, in a more specific embodiment, the first light source centroid wavelength (λ s,1 ) may be selected from the range of 400 to 410 nm.

[0039] The term "centroid wavelength", also denoted λc, is known in the art and refers to the wavelength value where half of the light energy is at the shorter wavelength and half of the light energy is at the longer wavelength, the value being given in nanometers (nm). It is the wavelength that halves the integral of the spectral power distribution as expressed by the formula λc=Σλ×I(λ) / (ΣI(λ), where the sum is over the wavelength range of interest, and I(λ) is the spectral energy density (i.e., the integral of the product of wavelength and intensity over the emission band normalized to the integrated intensity). The centroid wavelength may be determined, for example, in operating conditions.

[0040] As mentioned above, such light may inactivate some bacteria and / or some viruses. However, the efficacy of such a first light-generating device may be relatively low due to the short wavelength, whereas the eye is much more sensitive in green. Furthermore, it seems that the outcoupling of the first light source light through the light-transmitting material may be less than desired. Embedding some (first) luminescent material in the light-transmitting material provides better outcoupling. It seems that a relatively small amount and a relatively low conversion may already have the desired effect. Thus, with a relatively low conversion that leaves a significant contribution of the original short-wavelength radiation, a kind of white light may be produced, which may (still) have properties useful for reducing viral and / or bacterial load.

[0041] Thus, the first light-generating device may comprise a (first) luminescent material. The first converter light may in embodiments essentially be provided by the first luminescent material. The first converter may comprise one or more (first) luminescent materials.

[0042] In the following several embodiments relating to luminescent materials are described which may relate to the first luminescent material (of the first light-generating device) and / or the (optional) second luminescent material (of the second light-generating device).

[0043] The term "luminescent material" refers in particular to a material capable of converting a first radiation, in particular one or more of UV and blue radiation, into a second radiation. Generally, the first and second radiation have different spectral power distributions. Therefore, instead of the term "luminescent material", the term "luminescence converter" or "converter" may also be applied. Generally, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution at a larger wavelength than the first radiation, which is the case of so-called down-conversion. However, in certain embodiments, the second radiation has a spectral power distribution with an intensity at a smaller wavelength than the first radiation, which is the case of so-called up-conversion.

[0044] In embodiments, the "luminescent material" may refer specifically to a material capable of converting radiation, for example to visible light and / or infrared light. For example, in embodiments, the luminescent material may be capable of converting one or more of UV radiation and blue radiation into visible light. The luminescent material may also convert radiation into infrared radiation (IR) in certain embodiments. Thus, when excited with radiation, the luminescent material emits radiation. In general, the luminescent material is a downconverter, i.e., a material capable of converting radiation of a smaller wavelength into radiation of a larger wavelength (λ ex <λ em ), in certain embodiments, the luminescent material may comprise an upconverter luminescent material, i.e., the larger wavelength radiation is converted to radiation having a smaller wavelength (λ ex >λ em ) is converted into radiation with a

[0045] In embodiments, the term "luminescence" may refer to phosphorescence. In embodiments, the term "luminescence" may refer to fluorescence. Instead of the term "luminescence", the term "emission" may be applied. Thus, the terms "first radiation" and "second radiation" may refer to excitation radiation and luminescence (radiation), respectively. Similarly, the term "luminescent material" may refer to phosphorescence and / or fluorescence, in embodiments.

[0046] The term "luminescent material" may refer to a number of different luminescent materials. Examples of possible luminescent materials are provided below. Thus, the term "luminescent material" may refer to a luminescent material composition in certain embodiments.

[0047] In an embodiment, the luminescent material is selected from garnets and nitrides, in particular doped with trivalent cerium or divalent europium, respectively. The term "nitride" may also refer to oxynitrides or nitridosilicates, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the luminescent material may be selected from silicates, in particular doped with divalent europium.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the luminescent material is A 3 B 5 O 12:Ce type luminescent materials, A in embodiments comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, in particular (at least) one or more of Y, Gd, Tb and Lu, and B in embodiments comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc. In particular, A may comprise one or more of Y, Gd and Lu, in particular one or more of Y and Lu. In particular, B may comprise at least Al, such as one or more of Al and Ga, more particularly essentially only Al. Thus, a particularly suitable luminescent material is a cerium comprising garnet material. Garnet embodiments are particularly suitable for A, Gd and Lu, in particular one or more of Y and Lu. In particular, B may comprise at least Al, such as one or more of Al and Ga, more particularly essentially only Al. 3 B 5 O 12 The present invention includes a garnet, A including at least yttrium or lutetium, and B including at least aluminum. Such garnets may be doped with cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), or a combination of cerium and praseodymium, but in particular with Ce. In particular, B may include aluminum (Al), but B may also include, in addition to aluminum, gallium (Ga) and / or scandium (Sc) and / or indium (In), in part, in particular up to about 20% of B, more in particular up to about 10% of B (i.e., B ions consist essentially of 90 mol % or more of Al and 10 mol % or less of one or more of Ga, Sc and In). B may in particular include up to about 10% of gallium. In another variant, B and O may be at least in part replaced by Si and N. The element A may be selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), and lutetium (Lu). Furthermore, Gd and / or Tb are particularly present in an amount up to about 20% of A. In a particular embodiment, the garnet luminescent material is selected from the group consisting of (Y 1-x Lu x ) 3 B 5 O 12:Ce, where x is 0 or more and 1 or less. The term ":Ce" indicates that some of the metal ions in the luminescent material (i.e., in garnets, some of the "A" ions) are replaced with Ce. For example, (Y 1-x Lu x ) 3 Al 5 O 12 In the case of Ce, part of Y and / or Lu is replaced by Ce. This is known to those skilled in the art. Ce replaces A, generally up to 10%, and generally the Ce concentration is in the range of 0.1 to 4%, in particular 0.1 to 2% (relative to A). Assuming 1% Ce and 10% Y, the perfectly correct formula is (Y 0.1 Lu 0.89 Ce 0.01 ) 3 Al 5 O 12 The Ce in the garnet may be substantially or exclusively in the trivalent state, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In an embodiment, the luminescent material is (thus) A 3 B 5 O 12 In certain embodiments, up to 10% of the BO may be replaced by Si-N.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the luminescent material is (Y x1-x2-x3 A' x2 Ce x3 ) 3 (Al y1-y2 B' y2 ) 5 O 12including, where x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, x3 > 0, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, y1 + y2 = 1, 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2, A' includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanides, and B' includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc. In embodiments, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. In the present invention, in particular, x1 > 0, such as at least 0.8, such as x1 > 0.2. The garnet with Y can provide an appropriate spectral power distribution.

[0051] In certain embodiments, up to 10% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, B in B-O refers to one or more of Al, Ga, In, and Sc (and O refers to oxygen), and in certain embodiments, B-O may refer to Al-O. As described above, in certain embodiments, x3 can be selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.04. In particular, such luminescence materials have an appropriate spectral distribution (see below), have relatively high efficiency, have relatively high thermal stability, and can enable a high CRI (optionally in combination with the light of other light sources as described herein). Thus, in certain embodiments, A can be selected from the group consisting of Lu and Gd. Alternatively, or in addition, B can include Ga. Thus, in embodiments, the luminescence material is (Y x1-x2-x3 (Lu,Gd) x2 Ce x3 ) 3 (Al y1-y2 Ga y2 ) 5 O 12 including, and Lu and / or Gd may be available. Even more particularly, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.1, and 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.1. Further, in certain embodiments, up to 1% of B-O can be replaced by Si-N. Here, the percentage refers to moles (as is known in the art), and for example, see also EP3149108. In yet other certain embodiments, the luminescence material is (Yx1-x3 Ce x3 ) 3 Al 5 O 12 and contains Ce, Al, and O, where x1 + x3 = 1, 0 < x3 ≤ 0.2, and it is, for example, in the range of 0.001 to 0.1.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the light generating device may contain only a luminescence material selected from the type of garnet containing cerium. In still other specific embodiments, the light generating device contains a single type of luminescence material such as (Y x1-x2-x3 A' x2 Ce x3 ) 3 (Al y1-y2 B' y2 ) 5 O 12 . Thus, in certain embodiments, the light generating device has a luminescence material, and at least 85 wt%, more particularly at least about 90 wt%, and even more particularly at least about 95 wt% of the luminescence material is (Y x1-x2-x3 A' x2 Ce x3 ) 3 (Al y1-y2 B' y2 ) 5 O 12 . Here, A' contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanides, B' contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, and Sc, x1 + x2 + x3 = 1, x3 > 0, 0 < x2 + x3 ≤ 0.2, y1 + y2 = 1, and 0 ≤ y2 ≤ 0.2. In particular, x3 is selected from the range of 0.001 to 0.1. It should be noted that in some embodiments, x2 = 0. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, y2 = 0.

[0053] In certain embodiments, A may particularly contain at least Y, and B may particularly contain at least Al.

[0054] Alternatively, or in addition, the luminescence material is A3 S 6 N 11 :Ce 3+ The present invention may include luminescent materials of the type A, where A includes one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu, such as one or more of La and Y in embodiments.

[0055] In an embodiment, the luminescent material is alternatively or additionally MS:Eu 2+ and / or M 2 S 5 N 8 :EU 2+ and / or MAlSiN 3 :EU 2+ and / or Ca 2 AlSi 3 O 2 N 5 :EU 2+ etc., where M comprises one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca, and in particular embodiments at least Sr. Thus, in embodiments, the luminescent material may comprise (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu, (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN 3 :Eu and (Ba,Sr,Ca) 2 S 5 N 8 In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or exclusively divalent and replaces one or more of the divalent cations shown. Generally, Eu is not present in an amount greater than 10% of the cations, and in particular the presence of Eu is in the range of about 0.5 to 10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5%, relative to the cation it replaces. The term ":Eu" means that a portion of the metal ions is Eu (in these examples Eu 2+ ) can be substituted. For example, CaAlSiN 3 Assuming 2% Eu in :Eu, the correct formula is (Ca 0.98 EU 0.02 )AlSiN 3The divalent europium generally replaces a divalent cation, such as the divalent alkaline earth cations mentioned above, particularly Ca, Sr or Ba. The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu may also be denoted MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), particularly M in this compound includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium. Here, Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Furthermore, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu may also be denoted MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), particularly M in this compound includes calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium. Here, Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). 2 S 5 N 8 :Eu is M 2 S 5 N 8 In some embodiments, M is represented as: :Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), and in particular, M in this compound comprises Sr and / or Ba. In further particular embodiments, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (not taking into account the presence of Eu), and Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5 S 5 N 8 In particular, the material consists of 50-100%, more particularly 50-90% Ba, and 50-0%, particularly 50-10% Sr, such as:Eu (i.e., 75% Ba; 25% Sr), where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Similarly, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN 3 :Eu is MAlSiN 3:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), and in particular M in this compound comprises calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium. Here, Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca). Eu in the above luminescent material is substantially or exclusively in a divalent state, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In an embodiment, the red luminescent material is (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu, (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN 3 :Eu and (Ba,Sr,Ca) 2 S 5 N 8 In these compounds, europium (Eu) is substantially or exclusively divalent and replaces one or more of the divalent cations shown. Generally, Eu is not present in an amount greater than 10% of the cations, and in particular the presence of Eu is in the range of about 0.5 to 10%, more particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5%, relative to the cation it replaces. The term ":Eu" means that a portion of the metal ions is Eu (in these examples Eu 2+ ) can be substituted. For example, CaAlSiN 3 Assuming 2% Eu in :Eu, the correct formula is (Ca 0.98 EU 0.02 )AlSiN 3 Divalent europium generally replaces a divalent cation, such as the divalent alkaline earth cations mentioned above, particularly Ca, Sr or Ba.

[0057] The material (Ba,Sr,Ca)S:Eu is sometimes denoted as MS:Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), and in particular M comprises calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, in this compound, where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e. one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0058] Furthermore, materials (Ba, Sr, Ca) 2 S 5 N 8 :Eu is M 2 S 5 N 8 In some embodiments, M is represented as: :Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), and in particular, M in this compound comprises Sr and / or Ba. In further particular embodiments, M consists of Sr and / or Ba (not taking into account the presence of Eu), and Ba 1.5 Sr 0.5 S 5 N 8 In particular 50-100%, more particularly 50-90% Ba, and 50-0%, particularly 50-10% Sr, such as:Eu (i.e. 75% Ba; 25% Sr), where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e. one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0059] Similarly, the material (Ba,Sr,Ca)AlSiN 3 :Eu is MAlSiN 3 :Eu, where M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba), strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca), and in particular M in this compound comprises calcium or strontium, or calcium and strontium, more particularly calcium, where Eu is introduced to replace at least a portion of M (i.e., one or more of Ba, Sr and Ca).

[0060] The Eu in the above luminescent materials is substantially or exclusively in a divalent state, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0061] The blue luminescent material is YSO(Y 2 SiO 5 :Ce 3+ ), or a similar compound, or BAM (BaMgAl 10 O 17 :EU 2+ ), or a similar compound.

[0062] The term "luminescent material" as used herein relates specifically to inorganic luminescent materials.

[0063] Instead of the term "luminescent material", the term "phosphor" is sometimes applied, these terms being known to those skilled in the art.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, other luminescent materials may be applied, for example quantum dots and / or organic dyes, optionally embedded in a transparent matrix, for example a polymer such as PMMA or polysiloxane.

[0065] Quantum dots are small crystals of semiconductor material, typically with a width or diameter of only a few nanometers. When excited by incident light, quantum dots emit light with a color determined by the size and material of the crystal. Thus, by adapting the size of the dot, light of a specific color can be produced. Most known quantum dots, emitting in the visible range, are based on cadmium selenide (CdSe) with shells such as cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). Indium phosphide (InP), as well as copper indium sulfide (CuInS 2 ) and / or silver indium sulfide (AgInS 2Cadmium-free quantum dots, such as cadmium-free quantum dots (CdSr, C ...

[0066] Instead of or in addition to quantum dots, other quantum confinement structures may be used, where "quantum confinement structure" is to be understood in the context of this application as, for example, quantum wells, quantum dots, quantum rods, tripods, tetrapods, or nanowires.

[0067] Organic phosphors can also be used. Examples of suitable organic phosphor materials are organic luminescent materials based on perylene derivatives, such as the compounds sold by BASF under the name Lumogen®. Examples of suitable compounds include, but are not limited to, Lumogen® Red F305, Lumogen® Orange F240, Lumogen® Yellow F083, and Lumogen® F170.

[0068] Different luminescent materials may have different spectral power distributions of their respective luminescent material light. Alternatively, or in addition, such different luminescent materials may have, among other things, different color points (or dominant wavelengths).

[0069] As mentioned above, other luminescent materials may be possible. Thus, in certain embodiments, the luminescent material is selected from the group of divalent europium-containing nitrides, divalent europium-containing oxynitrides, divalent europium-containing silicates, cerium-containing garnets, and quantum structures. The quantum structures may include, for example, quantum dots or quantum rods (or other quantum-type particles) (see above). The quantum structures may also include quantum wells. The quantum structures may also include photonic crystals.

[0070] In particular, the first luminescent material may provide broadband emission.

[0071] The luminescent material may be selected to obtain an emission band with a full width at half maximum (of the luminescent material light) of at least 40 nm, such as at least 50 nm. For example, the luminescent material may be selected to obtain an emission band with a full width at half maximum of at least 60 nm. This may be the case, for example, for a garnet luminescent material containing trivalent cerium (as described herein). Thus, in particular, the luminescent material may include a broadband emitter. The luminescent material may also have a plurality of broadband emitters. In particular, when two or more luminescent materials are applied to convert at least a portion of the first device light and / or at least a portion of the second device light, at least two of the two or more luminescent materials may be configured to provide a respective luminescent material light having an emission band with a full width at half maximum (of the luminescent material light) of at least 40 nm, such as at least 50 nm.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the first luminescence converter may be configured to convert (at least) a portion of the first source light into first converter light. Further, in embodiments, the first converter light may have a wavelength of at least about a first converter centroid wavelength (λ c,1 In particular, the first transducer may have a centroid wavelength (λ c,1 ) is selected from the green to yellow wavelength range. Therefore, the first converter centroid wavelength (λc,1 ) may be in the wavelength range of 490 to 590 nm, in particular at least 500 nm, in particular up to about 580 nm.

[0073] The term "purple light" or "purple emission" and similar terms particularly refers to light having a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 440 nm. In certain embodiments, the purple light may have a center wavelength in the range of 380 to 440 nm. The term "blue light" or "blue emission" and similar terms particularly refers to light having a wavelength in the range of about 440 to 490 nm (including some purple and cyan hues). In certain embodiments, the blue light may have a center wavelength in the range of 440 to 490 nm. The term "green light" or "green emission" and similar terms particularly refers to light having a wavelength in the range of about 490 to 560 nm. In certain embodiments, the green light may have a center wavelength in the range of 490 to 560 nm. The term "yellow light" or "yellow emission" and similar terms particularly refers to light having a wavelength in the range of about 560 to 590 nm. In certain embodiments, the yellow light may have a central wavelength in the range of 560 to 590 nm. The terms "orange light" or "orange emission" and similar terms particularly relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 590 to 620 nm. In certain embodiments, the orange light may have a central wavelength in the range of 590 to 620 nm. The terms "red light" or "red emission" and similar terms particularly relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 620 to 750 nm. In certain embodiments, the red light may have a central wavelength in the range of 620 to 750 nm. The terms "cyan light" or "cyan emission" and similar terms particularly relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 490 to 520 nm. In certain embodiments, the cyan light may have a central wavelength in the range of 490 to 520 nm. The terms "amber light" or "amber emission" and similar terms particularly relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 585 to 605 nm, such as about 590 to 600 nm. In certain embodiments, the amber light may have a centroid wavelength in the range of 585 to 605 nm.

[0074] In this manner, the first light generating device may be configured to generate a first device light, in particular comprising the first light source light and the first converter light. In particular, the first device light may consist essentially of the first light source light and the first converter light, the first light source light being essentially generated by the one or more first (solid-state) light sources, and the first converter light being generated by conversion of a portion of the first light source light into the first converter light. In a particular embodiment, for a spectral power distribution of the first device light in the range of 380 to 780 nm, at least 60% of the spectral power may be provided by the first light source light and at most 40% of the spectral power may be provided by the first converter light.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, the first luminescence converter may comprise a first matrix material and a first luminescence material. Above and below, examples of first luminescence materials are given, with particular attention to those capable of providing essentially green and / or yellow light. Thus, in an embodiment, the first luminescence converter may be configured to convert the first source light into first converter light having a first converter centroid wavelength (λc,1) selected from a yellow-green wavelength range, and even more particularly from a green wavelength range.

[0076] In certain embodiments, for a spectral power distribution of the first converter light in the range of 380 to 780 nm, up to 20% of the spectral power may be in the range of 585 to 780 nm. Thus, the intensity in the orange-red wavelength range of the spectral power distribution of the first converter light may be relatively low. Thus, the first converter light may have a spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, and up to 20% of the spectral power in that wavelength range may be available in the range of 585 to 780 nm.

[0077] The matrix material may in particular comprise a resin, such as a silicone.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the first luminescent material has a first weight percentage CW1 relative to the total weight of the first luminescence converter, in embodiments CW1 is less than or equal to 10 wt%, such as selected from the range of about 0.1-10 wt%, such as selected from the range of about 0.5-8 wt%.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the first luminescent material has a first volume percent CV1 relative to the total volume of the first luminescence converter, in embodiments CV1 is less than or equal to 3 vol.%, such as selected from the range of about 0.03-3 vol.%, such as selected from the range of about 0.15-2.5 vol.%.

[0080] In an embodiment, the first device light may have a relatively high correlated color temperature (CCT). In particular, the CCT of the first device light may be at least about 5500K, such as at least 6000K, in an embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the first device light may have a correlated color temperature selected from a range of 6000 to 25000K. In a particular embodiment, the first device light may have a correlated color temperature selected from a range of at least about 6500K. The first device light may be a relatively cool white light or a cool whitish light. In a particular embodiment, the first device light may have a color point selected within 0 to 20 SDCM from the black body locus (BBL), such as within about 10 SDCM, such as within about 15 SDCM from the BBL. Thus, the first device light may be whitish.

[0081] However, the first device light may in other embodiments be significantly offset from the BBL, such as having a color point (significantly) more than 20 SDCM from the BBL.

[0082] In an embodiment, the first device light may have a color point where u' is selected from the range of 0.10 to 0.22 and v' is selected from the range of 0.25 to 0.55. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the first device light may have a color point where u' is selected from the range of 0.12 to 0.22, such as 0.12 to 0.20, and v' is selected from the range of 0.30 to 0.50. In such an embodiment, the first device light may be offset relative to the black body locus (BBL). In combination with the second device light, a color point may be produced in white that is within 0 to 20 SDCM of the black body locus (BBL), such as within about 10 SDCM, such as within about 15 SDCM of the BBL.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first device light may have a color which may be bluish or cyan-like.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the first converter light may have a first spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, with at most 15%, such as at most 10%, of its spectral power in the wavelength range of 380 to 490 nm. Thus, the first luminescent material may have substantially no blue emission (and in certain embodiments have essentially green and / or yellow emission).

[0085] The term white light and similar terms in this specification are known to those skilled in the art, and the white light has a correlated color temperature (CCT) between about 1800K and 20000K, such as at least about 2000K, particularly in the range of 2700-20000K, particularly in the range of about 2000-6700K for general illumination, such as 2700-6500K, particularly in the range of about 6500-20000K for backlight applications, and particularly within about 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus), particularly within about 10 SDCM from the BBL, and even more particularly within about 5 SDCM from the BBL.

[0086] In embodiments, the first device light may have a color rendering index of up to about 80, such as up to about 70, such as up to about 60, or even lower. In embodiments, the first device light may not be a white light or even a whitish light.

[0087] In particular, the first light-generating device may be provided in combination with the second light-generating device, the latter being configured to generate white light, whereas the function of the former is essentially to provide disinfecting light with a wavelength selected from 380 to 430 nm, such as 380 to 425 nm, more particularly in the wavelength range of 380 to 420 nm, more particularly in the range of 395 to 415 nm, even more particularly in the range of 400 to 410 nm.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the first light generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, with at least 70% of the spectral power provided by the first source light and up to 30% of the spectral power provided by the first converter light. In embodiments, the spectral power distribution of the first device light may have a range of 70 to 90% of the spectral power provided by the first source light and a range of 10 to 30% of the spectral power provided by the first converter light.

[0089] In a particular embodiment, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where at least 70% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at most 30% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. More particularly, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where at least 75% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at most 25% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where at least 80% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at most 20% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light.

[0090] In a particular embodiment, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where up to 98% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at least 2% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. More particularly, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where up to 96% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at least 4% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light. Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, the first light-generating device may be configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, where up to 95% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light and at least 5% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light.

[0091] In this specification, the phrase "spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm" and similar phrases refer specifically to a spectral power distribution defined in this range. Alternatively, the phrase "spectral power distribution in the visible wavelength range" and similar phrases may be applied. Light having a spectral power distribution in the visible range may also have intensity in the UV or IR in certain embodiments. However, in this specification, it is generally referred to only in the visible. Light having intensity in the visible range may have intensity at one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range.

[0092] The terms "visible," "visible light," or "visible emission," and similar terms, refer to light having one or more wavelengths within the range of about 380 to 780 nm. As used herein, UV may refer specifically to wavelengths selected from the range of 190 to 380 nm, such as 200 to 380 nm.

[0093] As used herein, the terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably, unless it is clear from the context that the term "light" refers only to visible light. Thus, the terms "light" and "radiation" can refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In certain embodiments, particularly for lighting applications, the terms "light" and "radiation" refer to (at least) visible light.

[0094] The first light-generating device may be provided as an LED package.

[0095] As mentioned above, the light-generating system may comprise a second light-generating device. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in particular the term "light-generating device" may refer to devices including solid-state light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0096] The term "second light-generating device" may also refer to a plurality of second light-generating devices, where two or more of the plurality of second light-generating devices may be the same and / or where two or more of the plurality of second light-generating devices may be different. In particular, the second light-generating device may comprise a second light source and a second luminescence converter.

[0097] In an embodiment, the second light source may comprise a solid-state light source. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the term "second light source" may also refer to a plurality of second light sources, where two or more of the plurality of second light sources may be the same and / or where two or more of the plurality of second light sources may be different. In particular, the second light source may comprise a solid-state light source, such as a laser diode or an LED, in particular an LED. In particular, when there are two or more second light sources, the second light sources may be of the same bin.

[0098] In an embodiment, the second light source may be configured to generate a second light source light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength range of 440 to 490 nm, more particularly from a range of 440 to 485 nm, even more particularly from a range of 445 to 480 nm. More particularly, the second light source may be configured to generate a second light source light having a peak wavelength selected from a wavelength range of 440 to 490 nm, more particularly from a range of 440 to 485 nm, even more particularly from a range of 445 to 480 nm.

[0099] Further, in the embodiment, the second light source has a second light source centroid wavelength (λ 2 ) selected from the range of 440 to 490 nm. s,1 ) may be configured to generate a second light source light having a second light source centroid wavelength (λ s,1 ) may be selected from the range of 440 to 485 nm. In particular, wavelengths around 450 to 460 nm may be suitable. Thus, in a further specific embodiment, the second light source centroid wavelength (λ s,1 ) may be selected from the range of 445 to 480 nm.

[0100] Thus, in an embodiment, the light generating system may further comprise a second light generating device. In particular, the second light generating device may comprise a second light source and a second luminescence converter. In an embodiment, the second light source may comprise a solid-state light source. In particular, the second light source may be configured to generate a second light source light. In a further particular embodiment, the second light source light has a second light source centroid wavelength (λ s,2 ).

[0101] Thus, in particular, in the embodiment, λ s,2 ≠ λ s,1 In particular, in the embodiment, λ s,2 -λ s,1 >20 nm, and even more particularly, λ s,2 -λ s,1 >35nm, etc. s,2 -λ s,1 In particular, in the embodiment, λ s,2 -λ s,1 In embodiments, λ≦80 nm, s,2 -λ s,1 λ≦75nm, such as s,2 -λ s,1 ≦90 nm.

[0102] In particular, the second luminescence converter may be configured to convert at least a portion of the second light source light into second converter light. In yet another particular embodiment, the second luminescence converter light has a second converter centroid wavelength (λ 2 ) selected from the green-red wavelength range, i.e., the wavelength range of 490-780 nm (and thus also including, for example, yellow and orange). c,2 ).

[0103] Thus, the second light-generating device may comprise a (second) luminescent material. The second converter light may in an embodiment essentially be provided by the second luminescent material. The second converter may comprise one or more (second) luminescent materials.

[0104] In particular, the second converter may comprise two different luminescent materials, such as a luminescent material having a centroid wavelength range in the green-yellow wavelength range and another luminescent material having a centroid wavelength in the orange-red wavelength range.

[0105] In particular, the second luminescent material may provide a broadband emission.

[0106] In this manner, the second light generating device may in particular be configured to generate a second device light comprising the second light source light and the second converter light. In particular, the second device light may essentially consist of the second light source light and the second converter light, the second light source light being essentially generated by the one or more second (solid-state) light sources and the second converter light being generated by conversion of a portion of the second light source light into the second converter light.

[0107] In an embodiment, the second light generating device may be configured to generate second device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 50% of the spectral power is provided by the second converter light and up to 50% of the spectral power is provided by the second light source light, more particularly in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the second converter light and up to 40% of the spectral power is provided by the second light source light.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the second light generating device may be configured to generate second device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, with up to 30% of the spectral power provided by the second source light and at least 70% of the spectral power provided by the second converter light. In embodiments, the spectral power distribution of the second device light (in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm) may have a spectral power distribution in a range of 10-30% of the spectral power provided by the second source light and a spectral power distribution in a range of 70-90% of the spectral power provided by the second converter light.

[0109] Thus, the second device light may consist essentially of the second source light and the second converter light.

[0110] In particular, in an embodiment, the second luminescence converter may be configured to convert the second source light into second converter light having a second converter centroid wavelength (λc,2) selected from a green to red wavelength range.

[0111] In a particular embodiment, the second luminescence converter may comprise a second matrix material and a second luminescent material. Above and below, examples of second luminescent materials are given, with particular attention to those that may essentially provide one or more, in particular two or more, of green, yellow, orange and red light. The matrix material may in particular comprise a resin, such as silicone.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the second luminescent material may have a second weight percentage CW2 relative to the total weight of the second luminescence converter, in embodiments CW2 is greater than or equal to 10 wt%, such as at least about 20 wt%, such as selected from the range of about 10-70 wt%, such as selected from the range of about 20-70 wt%, and in certain embodiments, such as selected from the range of about 50-70 wt%.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the second luminescent material has a second volume percent CV2 relative to the total volume of the second luminescence converter, in embodiments CV2 is greater than or equal to 3 vol.%, such as selected from the range of about 3-23 vol.%, such as selected from the range of about 6-20 vol.%.

[0114] In particular, the second light generating device may be configured to generate a second device light comprising the second converter light and the second light source light, More particularly, the second device light may be white light.

[0115] As will be clear from the above, in particular the first device light spectral power distribution of the first device light and the second device light spectral power distribution of the second device light are different. Furthermore, they may have different color points, but the difference in color points may depend on the desired CCT of the second device light. If the CCT of the second device light is relatively high, the difference in color points between the first device light and the second device light may be smaller than if the CCT of the second device light is relatively low.

[0116] In particular embodiments, the colors or color points of the first and second types of light may differ if the respective color points of said first and second types of light differ by at least 0.01 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.01 with respect to v', even more particularly at least 0.02 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.02 with respect to v'. In even more particular embodiments, the respective color points of said first and second types of light may differ by at least 0.03 with respect to u' and / or at least 0.03 with respect to v', where u' and v' are the color coordinates of the light in the CIE 1976 UCS (Uniform Chromaticity) diagram.

[0117] In embodiments, the difference in u' and / or v' between the first and second device light may be at least 0.03, such as at least 0.05 in more specific embodiments.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the second light source centroid wavelength (λ s,2 ) may be selected from the range of 445 to 480 nm.

[0119] The second device light may have a lower correlated color temperature (CCT) than the first device light. In particular, the CCT of the second device light may be up to about 6500K, such as up to 6000K in embodiments (although higher CCTs are not excluded herein). In particular embodiments, the second device light may have a correlated color temperature selected from a range of 1800 to 6500K. In particular embodiments, the second device light may have a correlated color temperature selected from a range of up to about 4500K, such as selected from a range of about 2700 to 4000K, such as selected from a range of 2000 to 4500K. However, other values ​​may be possible. The second device light may be, but is not necessarily, a warm white light. In particular embodiments, the second device light may have a color point selected within 0 to 20 SDCM from the black body locus (BBL), such as within about 10 SDCM, such as within about 15 SDCM from the BBL. In embodiments, the second device light may have a color rendering index of at least 70, such as at least about 75, or even at least 80, or even at least 85, and in certain embodiments at least 90.

[0120] Thus, in particular, the second device light may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500 K, such as selected from the range of 2000 to 4500 K, a (second device light) color point within 0 to 15 SDCM from the black body locus, and a color rendering index of at least 70, such as at least about 75, such as at least about 80. However, higher values ​​may be possible, such as at least about 85. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the second device light may have a CRI of at least 90.

[0121] The second light-generating device may be provided as an LED package.

[0122] When a host material such as a resin is used for the luminescent material, the weight percentage of the first luminescent material in the first luminescence converter may be lower than the weight percentage of the second luminescent material in the second luminescence converter. The contribution of the first converter light in the first device light may be (substantially) lower than the contribution of the second converter light in the second device light. In particular embodiments, CW1 / CW2≦0.5, more particularly CW1 / CW2≦0.3, etc.

[0123] In such a system light, bacteria and / or viruses can be inactivated very well, because of the (relatively) high outcoupling of the first light source light. Surprisingly, it seems that a relatively small amount of the first luminescent material and a relatively low conversion can already have the desired effect. Thus, such a configuration leaves a significant contribution of the original short-wavelength radiation (380-420 nm) due to the relatively low conversion.

[0124] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the first luminescent material may comprise a first volume percent CV1 of a first luminescent material in the first luminescent converter, and the second luminescent material may comprise a second volume percent CV2 of a second luminescent material in the second luminescent converter, particularly CV1 / CV2≦0.5, more particularly CV1 / CV2≦0.3.

[0125] In embodiments, the first luminescent material may comprise a particulate material, which may be useful for outcoupling the first light source light. Furthermore, in embodiments, the first matrix material may comprise a resin, in particular a silicone resin.

[0126] In embodiments, the second luminescent material may comprise a particulate material. The second matrix material may comprise a resin, in particular a silicone resin. In embodiments, the resins may be the same. In other embodiments, the resins may be different.

[0127] In a particular embodiment, at least 50 wt% of the first luminescent material has a particle size selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm. The particle size may be selected from length, width, height, diameter, or equivalent spherical diameter. The equivalent spherical diameter (or ESD) of an (irregular) shaped object is the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume. Thus, the equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) of a cube with side a is:

number

[0128] The particle size may be determined by methods known in the art, such as one or more of optical microscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). As known in the art, the size may be number averaged. Thus, the particles may be substantially the same, but the particles may also differ from each other, such as two or more subsets of particles, within a subset the particles are substantially the same. The particles may have a unimodal or polymodal particle size distribution. In a further embodiment, the d50 value of the first luminescent material may be selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm. The d50 value may be determined using methods known in the art, such as laser scattering of the luminescent material used for the luminescence converter.

[0129] In certain embodiments, at least 50 wt% of the second luminescent material may have a particle size selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm. The particle size may be selected from length, width, height, diameter, or equivalent spherical diameter. In further embodiments, the d50 of the second luminescent material may be selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm.

[0130] In an embodiment, the first luminescent material is Eu 2+ Such luminescent material may have better absorption in the lower wavelength range, such as the wavelength range of 380 to 430 nm, more particularly 380 to 420 nm. In an embodiment, the first luminescent material is Ce. 3+ It may also have a base luminescent material that may absorb more in the longer wavelength range of the emission band of the first light source light than in the shorter wavelength range, which may also be beneficial.

[0131] In an embodiment, the first luminescent material is -Lu 3 Al 5 O12 :Ce 3+ and Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Ce 3+ For example, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, and 0 <z≦0.1であり、0≦u≦0.2であり、0<a≦0.2であり、0≦b≦0.1である、(Lu 1-x-y-a-b Y x Gd y ) 3 (Al 1-z-u Ga z S u ) 5 O 12-u N u :Ce a Pr b Garnet, etc. - Ca 8 Mg(SiO 4 ) 4 Cl 2 :Eu, a narrow green phosphor, - SrSi 2 N 2 O 2 :EU 2+ and BaSi 2 N 0.67 O 4 :EU 2+ a=0.002-0.2, b=0.0-0.25, c=0.0-1.0, x=1.5-2.5, y=0.67-2.5, z=1.5-4, (Sr 1-a-b-c Ca b Ba c )Si x N y O z :EU a 2+ Silicon oxynitrides such as - (La,Y)Si 6 N 11 :Ce 3+ LSN, etc. - For example, SrGa 2 S 4 :EU 2+0≦u+v+x≦1, 0≦u+z≦2, (Sr 1-u-v-x Mg u Ca v Ba x )(Ga 2-y-z Al y In z S 4 )EU 2+ Such as Galat, - For example, BaSrSiO 4 :EU 2+ Contains, 0 <x≦1である、(Sr 1-x Ba x )SiO 4 : Eu, etc., silicates, Ca 3 Sc 2 S 3 O 12 :Ce 3+ For example, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, and 0 <z≦1であり、0≦u≦0.2であり、0<a≦0.2であり、0≦b≦0.1である、(Ca 1-x-y-a-b Y x Lu y ) 3 (Sc 1-z Al z ) 2 (Si 1-x-y Al x+y ) 3 O 12 :Ce a Pr b , For example, Ba 3 S 6 O 12 N 2 :EU 2+ Ba, where 0≦x≦5. 3 S 6 O 15-3x N 2x , Si, where 0≦z≦6 (6-z) Al z O z N (8-z) :EU 2+ The β-SiAlON may include one or more of the β-SiAlONs, such as

[0132] In an embodiment, the first luminescent material comprises a garnet luminescent material containing (trivalent) cerium (such as containing gallium and / or lutetium). Alternatively, or in addition, the first luminescent material may comprise a luminescent material containing (divalent) europium.

[0133] However, other luminescent materials are not excluded herein.

[0134] As described above, the system may be configured to generate a system light. The system light may comprise one or more of the first device light and the second device light. In particular, in an operational mode, the system light comprises both the first device light and the second device light. In an embodiment, the system light may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500K. Further, in an embodiment, the system light may have a (system light) color point within 0 to 10 SDCM from the black body locus and a color rendering index of at least 70, such as at least 80. In a particular embodiment, the system light may have a CRI of at least 85.

[0135] In embodiments, the system light comprising the first device light and the second device light has a correlated color temperature that is at least 100 K higher than the correlated color temperature of the second device light, such as at least 200 K, such as at least 500 K, and in embodiments, such as at least 1000 K. In certain embodiments, the difference in correlated color temperature between the second device light and the system light comprising the first device light and the second device light may be selected from a range of 500 to 15000 K, such as a range of 500 to 10000 K.

[0136] In certain embodiments, the difference in u' between the first and second device lights contained in the system light may be at least 0.02, and even more particularly at least 0.04. In certain embodiments, the difference in u' between the first and second device lights contained in the system light may be selected from the range of 0.06 to 0.14.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the difference in v' between the first and second device lights contained in the system light may be at least 0.01, and even more particularly at least 0.015. In certain embodiments, the difference in v' between the first and second device lights contained in the system light may be selected from the range of 0.01 to 0.15.

[0138] As there are two types of light generating devices, it may be possible to control the system light, which may result in different types of system light that may differ in one or more of color point, correlated color temperature and CRI.

[0139] Thus, in certain embodiments, the light-generating system may further comprise a control system, in particular configured to control the system light in dependence on one or more of a user interface input signal, a sensor signal (of a sensor) and a timer.

[0140] The term "control" and similar terms refer in particular to at least determining the behavior of an element or supervising the operation of an element. Thus, in this specification, the term "control" and similar terms may refer to, for example, imposing a behavior on the element (determining the behavior of an element or supervising the operation of an element), such as, for example, measuring, indicating, activating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. The term "control" and similar terms may further include monitoring as well. Thus, the term "control" and similar terms may include imposing a behavior on an element and may include imposing a behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The control of the element may be performed by a control system, which may be denoted as a "controller". Thus, the control system and the element may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element may comprise the control system. In an embodiment, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. The control may be performed via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a number of different control systems, particularly those that are functionally coupled, for example one control system of the number of different control systems may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. A control system may have a user interface or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0141] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control device. In an embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an app on a device, such as a smartphone or portable device, such as an iPhone, tablet, etc. Thus, the device is not necessarily coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0142] Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an app on a remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or may control in slave mode. For example, the lighting systems may be identifiable by a code, in particular a unique code for each lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system that accesses the lighting system based on knowledge entered by a user interface comprising an optical sensor (e.g. a QR code reader) of the (unique) code. The lighting system may also have means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX, or another wireless technology.

[0143] The system, or apparatus, or device may perform an operation in a "mode" or "operational mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". The term "operational mode" may also be indicated as "control mode". Similarly, in a method, an operation, or a stage, or a step may be performed in a "mode" or "operational mode" or "mode of operation" or "operable mode". This does not exclude that the system, or apparatus, or device may also be adapted to provide another control mode or multiple other control modes. Similarly, this may not exclude that one or more other modes may be performed before and / or after performing the mode.

[0144] However, in embodiments, a control system may be available that is adapted to provide at least said control mode. If other modes are available, the selection of such modes may in particular be performed via a user interface, although other options may also be possible, such as performing the mode depending on a sensor signal or a (time) scheme. The operating mode may also refer in embodiments to a system, or apparatus, or device that can only operate in a single operating mode (i.e. "on", without further adjustability).

[0145] Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be dependent on one or more of a user interface input signal, a sensor signal (of a sensor), and a timer, where the term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predefined timing scheme.

[0146] In particular, in embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the first light-generating device and the second light-generating device separately, which may enable, for example, a first device light only mode or a first device light rich mode and a second device light only mode or a second device light rich mode.

[0147] In a particular embodiment, the light-generating system may further comprise a support, e.g. a PCB, although other supports are possible. Furthermore, the light-generating system may comprise a plurality of n1 first light-generating devices and a plurality of n2 second light-generating devices, both configured to be supported by a support. The support may comprise a printed circuit board, although other options are possible.

[0148] In an embodiment, n2 < n1. In other embodiments, n2 = n1. Further, in other embodiments, n2 > n1. In particular, in an embodiment, one or more of (i) n1 ≥ 2 and (ii) n2 ≥ 2 may be applicable. In a particular embodiment, the first light generation device may be configured in one or more columns.

[0149] In a particular embodiment, the plurality of n1 first light generation devices and the plurality of n2 second light generation devices may have a subset including at least two first light generation devices and three or more second light generation devices. In particular, all the second light generation devices within the subset have an equal second pitch p2. In this way, switching the first light generation device on or off or increasing or decreasing its intensity may have little or no effect on the uniform spatial distribution of the second device light.

[0150] In a particular embodiment, 0.05 ≤ n1 / n2 ≤ 0.75. However, in other embodiments, n1 / n2 > 0.75. However, other values such as n1 / n2 < 0.05 may also be possible.

[0151] In an embodiment, the system may have an operating mode in which an essentially continuous white system is provided, including a (small amount of) disinfection component provided by the first device light. In such an embodiment, for example, n2 > n1.

[0152] In an embodiment, the system may have a boost function for disinfection, for example, at night or after use of the room. In such an embodiment, n2 = n1, or even n2 < n1.

[0153] In an embodiment, for example, n2 = n1, and a current divider is provided that enables variable relative intensities of the first device light and the second device light, optionally including only one of the first device light and the second device light.

[0154] Optionally, an optical system such as a beam shaping optical system may be arranged downstream of the first light-generating device and / or the second light-generating device. The term "optical system" may refer in particular to (one or more) optical elements. Thus, the terms "optical system" and "optical element" may refer to the same thing. The optical system may include one or more of mirrors, reflectors, collimators, lenses, prisms, diffusers, phase plates, polarizers, diffractive elements, diffraction gratings, dichroics, arrays of one or more of the aforementioned, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the term "optical system" may refer to a holographic element or a mixing rod. In an embodiment, the optical system may include one or more of beam expander optics and zoom lens optics. In an embodiment, the optical system may comprise a light mixing optical system. In an embodiment, the light mixing optical system may comprise one or more of a diffuser (surface or volume scattering diffuser or engineered holographic optical element), a light pipe, a light guide, a Kohler integrator optical system, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, the light mixing optics may include a collimator or other collimating optics.

[0155] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" relate to the positioning of an item or feature relative to the propagation of light from a light generating means (here, in particular the light source), such that relative to a first position in the light beam from the light generating means, a second position in the light beam closer to the light generating means is "upstream" and a third position in the light beam further away from the light generating means is "downstream".

[0156] The light generating system may be part of or used in, for example, an office lighting system, a home application system, a shop lighting system, a domestic lighting system, an accent lighting system, a spot lighting system, a theatre lighting system, a fiber optic application system, a projection system, a self-lit display system, a pixelated display system, a segmented display system, a warning sign system, a medical lighting application system, an indicator sign system, a decorative lighting system, a portable system, an automotive application, an (outdoor) road lighting system, an urban lighting system, a greenhouse lighting system, a horticultural lighting, digital projection, or an LCD backlight. The light generating system (or the luminaire) may be part of or used in, for example, an optical communication system or a disinfection system.

[0157] In yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a lamp or luminaire having a light generating system as defined herein. The luminaire may further include a housing, optical elements, louvers, etc. The lamp or luminaire may further include a housing enclosing the light generating system. The lamp or luminaire may have a light window in the housing, or a housing opening, through which the system light may escape from the housing. In yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a projection device having a light generating system as defined herein. In particular, a projection device or "projector" or "image projector" may be an optical device that projects an image (or a moving image) onto a surface, such as a projection screen. The projection device may include one or more light generating systems as described herein. Thus, the present invention also provides, in one aspect, an illumination device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, the illumination device having a light generating system as defined herein. The lighting device may have a housing configured to accommodate or a carrier configured to support one or more elements of the light-generating system. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting device may have a housing configured to accommodate or a carrier configured to support one or more of the first light-generating device, the second light-generating device, the support, etc. The invention therefore also provides a lighting device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a disinfection device, and an optical wireless communication device, the lighting device comprising a light-generating system as defined herein.

[0158] The present invention also provides in one aspect a light-generating system configured to generate system light, the first light-generating device comprising a first light source and a first luminescence converter, the first light source comprising a solid-state light source, the first light source configured to generate a first light source light having a first light source peak wavelength selected from the range of (approximately) 380 to 430 nm, more particularly 380 to 420 nm.The present invention also provides in one aspect a light-generating system configured to generate system light, the first light-generating device comprising a first light source and a first luminescence converter, the first luminescence converter configured to convert at least a portion of the first light source light into a first converter light having a color point in a green to yellow wavelength range. In particular, the present invention also provides, in one aspect, a light-generating system configured to generate system light, the light-generating system comprising a first light-generating device, (A) the first light-generating device comprising a first light source and a first luminescence converter, (B) the first light source comprising a solid-state light source, the first light source configured to generate a first light source light having a first light source peak wavelength selected from the range of (approximately) 380 to 430 nm, more particularly 380 to 420 nm, (C) the first luminescence converter configured to convert at least a portion of the first light source light into a first converter light having a color point within a green-yellow wavelength range, and (D) the first light-generating device configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution within a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the first light source light and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light.

[0159] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a second light-generating device that is a first light-generating device, the second light-generating device comprising: (A) a second light source and a second luminescence converter; (B) the second light source comprises a solid-state light source, the second light source configured to generate a second light source light (having a second light source peak wavelength selected from the range of (approximately) 440-490 nm); and (C) the second luminescence converter configured to convert at least a portion of the second light source light to a second converter light (having a color point in the green-red wavelength range). (D) the second light generating device is configured to generate second device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, with at least 60% of the spectral power provided by the second converter light and up to 40% of the spectral power provided by the second light source light, the second device light being white light; and (E) in combination with a second light generating device, wherein a first device light spectral power distribution of the first device light and a second device light spectral power distribution of the second device light may be different.

[0160] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating at least a part of a space or object (external to the light-generating system or device), which may in particular comprise providing system radiation comprising the first device light into the space or to the object using a light-generating system as defined herein or an illumination device as defined herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0161] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: [Figure 1a] Several aspects and embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically. [Figure 1b] Several aspects and embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically. [Figure 1c] Several aspects and embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically. [Figure 1d] Several aspects and embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically. [Figure 1e] Several aspects and embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically. [Diagram 2] Some emission and excitation spectra are shown. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a u'v' diagram with the color points of several light generating devices (light). [Figure 4a] (1) Several LED spectra depending on the presence of luminescence are shown. [Figure 4b] (1) Several LED spectra depending on the presence of luminescence are shown. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system light. [Figure 6] Several application embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically.

[0162] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0163] 1a-1b diagrammatically illustrate some embodiments and aspects. Embodiments I and II of FIG. 1a and embodiment II of FIG. 1b diagrammatically illustrate an embodiment of a light-generating system 1000 configured to generate a system light 1001. The light-generating system 1000 comprises, in particular, a first light-generating device 110. The first light-generating device 110 may comprise a first light source 10 and a first luminescence converter 210. In particular, the first light source 10 may comprise a solid-state light source. The first light source 10 is configured to have a first light source centroid wavelength λ 2 selected from the range of 380-430 nm, for example 380-425 nm, more particularly 380-420 nm. s,1 The first luminescence converter 210 may be configured to generate a first source light 11 having a first converter centroid wavelength λ , selected, for example, from the green to yellow wavelength range. c,1Further, the first light generating device 110 may be configured to generate a first device light 111 having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, for example, where at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the first source light 11 and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the first converter light 211.

[0164] In the embodiment, the first light source centroid wavelength λ s,1 may be selected from the wavelength range of 395 to 415 nm.

[0165] In an embodiment, the first luminescence converter 210 comprises a first matrix material 215 and a first luminescence material 216, the first luminescence material 216 having a first weight percentage CW1 relative to the total weight of the first luminescence converter 210. In an embodiment, CW1≦10 wt %.

[0166] In particular, the first luminescence converter 210 converts the first source light 11 into a first converter centroid wavelength λ 2 selected from the green wavelength range. c,1 to a first converter light 211 having a wavelength of 0.5 nm. However, other options may be possible.

[0167] In an embodiment, the first device light 111 may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 6000 to 25000 K. Furthermore, the first device light 111 may have a (first device light) color point selected within 0 to 20 SDCM from the black body locus. Furthermore, the first device light 111 may have a color rendering index of up to about 70. In an embodiment, the first light source centroid wavelength λ s,1 may be selected from the range of 400 to 410 nm.

[0168] For an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution, high efficiency is required for both the first light-generating device and the second light-generating device (such as a white LED package). A device including a blue + white LED light source may result in an overall efficiency drop of about 22% lower than a standard white LED-based device. This may be undesirable.

[0169] Some devices may have a relatively low probability of outcoupling from the transparent silicone layer above the chip, for example because the surface is usually concave, at most nearly flat. An example of a first light-generating device 110 without a first luminescent material yet, but with a resin, here indicated with reference number 215, is illustrated diagrammatically on the left side of embodiment I in FIG. 1b. Its emission spectrum is shown on the right side of embodiment I. The first device light of such a device without a first luminescent material may essentially consist of the first source light 11.

[0170] Adding a violet light generating device can also shift the color point towards blue (lower v'). This can limit the amount of violet light that can be added in combination with a standard white light generating device. Too high a contribution of violet can shift the color point outside the ANSI-bin.

[0171] In particular, the present invention proposes adding a minimum amount of phosphor particles to a short wavelength, particularly around 405 nm, LED package to provide a first light generating device to facilitate light outcoupling, improve efficiency, and induce some phosphor conversion to achieve a preferred color point. In particular, the combination of violet pump light and phosphor converted light can have a color point close to the BBL, allowing the addition of a larger amount of violet light in combination with a standard white light generating device, such as an LED.

[0172] Using a violet light generating device (without scatterers or phosphors) may result in lower package efficiency since part of the light is trapped in the clear silicone (protective) layer above the chip. Part of the light emitted from the chip undergoes total internal reflection at the air-silicone interface and is eventually absorbed in the package (e.g. by the die). Adding phosphor particles in the clear silicone may increase the outcoupling of light due to more scattering in the clear silicone layer, resulting in a higher probability of outcoupling.

[0173] Figure 1b shows the principle diagrammatically. A slightly altered spectrum is beneficial for this application (whitish color point). In combination with a standard white light generating device, this can result in a white color point (within ANSI). In a pure disinfection mode (switching on only 405 nm LEDs), the emission is a cold white with low color rendering. This mode may for example only be used when no people are present in the room, therefore a low color rendering is acceptable (applying this concept with a standard blue, green or red light generating device would not be acceptable as it would affect the purity of the direct color).

[0174] Thus, among other things, a small amount of green / yellow phosphor can be provided in the 405 nm chip package to provide a first light-generating device such that the color point of this package, i.e. the resulting first device light, is shifted towards the BBL, potentially improving the extraction efficiency.

[0175] 1c to 1e, in certain embodiments, the light-generating system 1000 may further comprise a second light-generating device 120. The second light-generating device 120 may further comprise a second light source 20 and a second luminescence converter 220. The second light source 20 may comprise a solid-state light source. The second light source 20 is configured to emit a second light source centroid wavelength (λ 2 ) selected from the range of 440 to 490 nm. s,2The second luminescence converter 220 may be configured to generate a second source light 21 having a second converter centroid wavelength (λ ) selected from the green to red wavelength range. c,2 The second light generating device 120 may be configured to convert the first device light 111 into a second converter light 221 having a spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm, with at least 60% of the spectral power being provided by the second converter light 221 and at most 40% of the spectral power being provided by the second source light 21. The second device light 121 may be white light. The first device light spectral power distribution of the first device light 111 and the second device light spectral power distribution of the second device light 121 may be different (see also below).

[0176] In the embodiment, the second light source centroid wavelength (λ s,2 ) may be selected from the range of 445 to 480 nm. The second luminescence converter 220 may comprise a second matrix material 225 and a second luminescent material 226. The second luminescent material 226 may comprise a second weight percent CW2 relative to the total weight of the second luminescence converter 210. In an embodiment, CW2 may be at least 20 wt %.

[0177] The second device light 121 may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500K, a (second device light) color point within 0 to 15 SDCM from the blackbody locus, and a color rendering index of at least 70.

[0178] The first luminescent material 216 may comprise a particulate material. The first matrix material 215 may comprise a resin, particularly a silicone resin. The second luminescent material 226 may comprise a particulate material. The second matrix material 225 may comprise a resin, particularly a silicone resin. In an embodiment, the first luminescent material 216 is Eu. 2+ Based luminescent materials and Ce 3+The base may comprise one or more of the luminescent materials.

[0179] In an embodiment, CW1 / CW2≦0.3. In an embodiment, the first luminescent material 216 may have a first volume percent CV1 of the first luminescent material 216 in the first luminescence converter 210. Additionally, the second luminescent material 226 may have a second volume percent V2 of the second luminescent material 226 in the second luminescence converter 220. In an embodiment, CV1 / V2≦0.3.

[0180] In an embodiment, at least 50 wt% of the first luminescent material 216 has a particle size selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm.

[0181] In an embodiment, for a spectral power distribution of the first converter light 211 in the range of 380-780 nm, up to 20% of the spectral power may be in the range of 585-780 nm.

[0182] In an embodiment, for a spectral power distribution of the second device light 121 in the range of 380 to 780 nm, up to 30% of the spectral power may be provided by the second source light 21 .

[0183] In certain embodiments, the system light 1001 may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500 K, a (system light) color point within 0 to 10 SDCM from the black body locus, and a color rendering index of at least 70.

[0184] In an embodiment, the light-generating system 1000 may further comprise a control system 300. In particular, the control system 300 may be configured to control the system light 1001 depending on one or more of a user interface input signal, a sensor signal (of a sensor) and a timer. In an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the first light-generating device 110 and the second light-generating device 120 separately.

[0185] With reference to Fig. 1e, the light-generating system 1000 may further comprise a support 600. The light-generating system 1000 may comprise a plurality of n1 first light-generating devices 110 and a plurality of n2 second light-generating devices 120 arranged to be (both) supported by the support 600. In an embodiment, the first light-generating devices 110 are arranged in one or more rows. In an embodiment, the plurality of n1 first light-generating devices 110 and the plurality of n2 second light-generating devices 120 may comprise a subset 1050 comprising at least two first light-generating devices 110 and three or more second light-generating devices 120. In a particular embodiment, all the second light-generating devices 120 in the subset 1050 have an equal second pitch p2. Reference sign P1 refers to the pitch of the first light-generating devices 110.

[0186] In embodiments, options range from adding an LED in the same row (I, II) to adding an LED next to the row of white LEDs (III). Also, in options I and III, the positioning of the resulting white LED can be kept the same as the original white LED L2. As a result, the uniformity of the white light can be substantially unchanged and there can be no purple speckles as in option II. Nevertheless, proper luminaire optical design can result in an acceptable luminaire solution in option II.

[0187] Figure 2 shows the peak wavelength / central wavelength λ of the first light source of approximately 405 nm. s,1 3 shows a short wavelength blue emission peak at 100 nm, as well as the excitation spectra, designated by the prefix X, and emission spectra, designated by the prefix M, of various luminescent materials, designated by the secondary letters a, b, c, and d, which are a divalent europium-based narrow band green phosphor (a), a divalent europium-based silicate (b), a YAG-type luminescent material containing gallium (c), and a YAG-type material containing lutetium (d).

[0188] The excitation spectra (Xa and Xb) of the divalent europium-based narrow-band green phosphor (a) and the divalent europium-based silicate (b), respectively, have good overlap with the first source light 11, and the excitation spectra (Xc and Xd) of the gallium-containing YAG-type luminescent material (c) and the lutetium-containing YAG-type material (d), respectively, have greater overlap on the long wavelength side of the first source light 11 than on the short wavelength side.

[0189] As an example, the centroid wavelength λc,1 of the emission ma of a divalent europium-based narrow-band green phosphor (a) and the centroid wavelength λc,1 of the emission mb of a divalent europium-based silicate (b) are shown diagrammatically. It should be noted that the centroid wavelengths shown diagrammatically here may not necessarily exactly match the calculated centroid wavelengths, since these centroid wavelengths are shown here for reference only. Furthermore, it should be noted that the centroid wavelengths do not necessarily match the maximum or peak wavelengths of the emission band.

[0190] FIG. 3 illustrates u'v' color point plots of various light generating devices. As an example, different standard white LEDs (2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6500K) were combined with a purple LED. The white LED may have a high CRI, e.g., in an embodiment, a CRI of ≧90. The purple LED may have, e.g., some divalent europium-based phosphor, here BaSrSiO in a particular embodiment. 4 :EU 2+ The higher the amount of luminescent material, the higher the value of v'.

[0191] It should be noted that the color point of the first device light can therefore be on a line connecting the color point of the second device light and the color point of the desired application color point (so all three color points can be on the same line). The color point of the first device light can be relatively far from the BBL if the CCT of the second device light is relatively low. The color point of the first device light can be relatively close to the BBL if the CCT of the second device light is relatively high. This is shown diagrammatically using the example of a 6500K second device light. A dashed line b from a color point on or near the BBL to a system light color point on or near the BBL follows this dashed line. The intersection with line a, which shows the color point of the first device light as a function of the relative amount (or volume) of the first luminescent material (in the matrix), provides the color point of the first device light. Line c shows a part of the boundary of the color triangle.

[0192] Standard white LED light is mixed in various proportions with light from a violet pumped divalent europium-based phosphor LED to produce a color point at a higher CCT. Depending on the divalent europium-based phosphor / 405nm LED color point, the color point can be below the BBL (divalent europium-based phosphor thickness too thin), at the BBL, or above the BBL (divalent europium-based phosphor thickness too thick).

[0193] For a 2700K white LED, the phosphor thickness required to produce a color point along the BBL can be determined. The CCT of the violet LED is ~13000K with a CRI of ~39 and an R9 of -218. At the (combined color) point with the highest CCT (~3500K), about 19% of the lumen flux is from the violet / BaSrSiO 4 :EU 2+ LEDs, the CRI of the combined white spectrum is still 91. The white spectrum contains 1.7mW of violet light / Lm.

[0194] For a 4000K white LED, the phosphor thickness required to produce a color point along the BBL can be determined. The CCT of the violet LED is ~21600K with a CRI of ~39 and an R9 of -198. At the (combined color) point with the highest CCT (~5000K), about 16% of the lumen flux is produced by the violet / divalent europium-based phosphor LED, and the CRI of the white spectrum is still 89. The white spectrum may contain 1.9mW of violet light / Lm.

[0195] As can be derived from FIG. 3, in a particular embodiment the first device light 111 may have a color point where u' is selected from the range of 0.10 to 0.22 and v' is selected from the range of 0.30 to 0.55.

[0196] Cerium-based green phosphors, such as LuAG:Ce in particular, may have desirable excitation spectra (see FIG. 4a). FIG. 4a shows the spectrum of a violet-based light-generating device (first device light 111) as a function of the amount of the first luminescent material in embodiment I, and the (remaining) emission of the first source light 11 as a function of the amount of the first luminescent material in embodiment II. In FIG. 4b, this is shown for a divalent europium-based luminescent material. LuAG:Ce (FIG. 4a) mainly absorbs the long-wavelength part of the first source light, which is expected to be slightly less effective in inactivating pathogens. Thus, the more effective part of the spectrum remains.

[0197] The loss of 405 nm light due to conversion can be compensated for by increasing the relative amount of violet-based light generating devices, and the efficiency loss due to the larger Stokes shift of the phosphor-converted light is very limited (~1%). The increase in PE due to better outcoupling is more than expected to compensate for this effect.

[0198] 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system light 1001 based on a configuration comprising a first device light 111 and a second device light 121. Referring to the second device light 121, the spectral power distribution of the second device light 121 (within a wavelength range of 380-780 nm) may include a spectral power in the range of 10-30% provided by the second source light 21 and a spectral power in the range of 70-90% provided by the second converter light.

[0199] Fig. 6 illustrates diagrammatically an embodiment of a luminaire 2 including a light-generating system 1000 as described above. Reference number 301 indicates a user interface that may be functionally associated with a control system 300 included by or functionally associated with the light-generating system 1000. Fig. 6 also illustrates diagrammatically an embodiment of a lamp 1 including the light-generating system 1000. Reference number 3 indicates a projector device or projector system that may be used to project an image onto a wall or the like, said projector device or projector system may also include the system 1000. Thus, Fig. 6 illustrates diagrammatically an embodiment of a lighting device 1200 selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light-generating system 1000 as described herein. In an embodiment, such a lighting device may be a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a disinfection device, or an optical wireless communication device. Illumination device light escaping from the illumination device 1200 is indicated with reference numeral 1201. The illumination device light 1201 may essentially consist of the system light 1001, and therefore may be the system light 1001 in certain embodiments.

[0200] In particular, the present invention may provide a method for treating at least a part of a space 1300 or an object (outside the light generation system 1000 or the light generation device 1200), said method may comprise providing system radiation 1001 comprising first device light 111 into the space 1300 or to the object using the light generation system 1000 as described herein or the illumination device 1200 as described herein.

[0201] The term "plurality" refers to two or more.

[0202] The terms "substantially" or "essentially" and similar terms herein will be understood by those of skill in the art. The terms "substantially" or "essentially" may also include embodiments with "entirely," "completely," "all," and the like. Thus, in embodiments, the adjectives substantially or essentially may be omitted. Where applicable, the terms "substantially" or "essentially" may also relate to 90% or more, including 100%, such as 95% or more, particularly 99% or more, and even more particularly 99.5% or more.

[0203] The term "comprises" also includes embodiments in which the term "comprises" means "consisting of."

[0204] The term "and / or" specifically refers to one or more of the items mentioned before and after "and / or." For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2," and similar phrases, can refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" can refer in some embodiments to "consisting of," while in other embodiments it can refer to "including at least the specified species, and optionally one or more other species."

[0205] Moreover, in the specification and claims, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in orders other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0206] The present specification may describe, among other things, devices, apparatus, or systems in operation. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0207] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many other embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0208] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0209] The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words like "comprise" and the like should be interpreted in their inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to," as opposed to their exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0210] The singular reference of an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0211] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, or by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage. (Thus) in yet another aspect, the invention provides software which, when executed on a computer, is capable of implementing (one or more embodiments of) the method as described herein.

[0212] The present invention also provides a control system that may control a device, apparatus or system or that may perform the methods or processes described herein. Still further, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when executed on a computer operatively coupled to or included in a device, apparatus or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such a device, apparatus or system.

[0213] The invention further applies to a device, an apparatus or a system having one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.The invention further relates to a method or process having one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0214] Various aspects described in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments can be combined, and that more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. 1. A light-generating system configured to generate system light, the light-generating system comprising a first light-generating device; the first light generating device comprises a first light source and a first luminescence converter; The first light source includes a solid-state light source, and the first light source is configured to generate a first light source light having a first light source centroid wavelength selected from a range of 380 to 420 nm; the first luminescence converter is configured to convert a portion of the first source light to a first converter light having a first converter centroid wavelength selected from a green to yellow wavelength range; the first light generating device is configured to generate a first device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, with at least 60% of the spectral power being provided by the first source light and up to 40% of the spectral power being provided by the first converter light; the first luminescence converter having a first matrix material and a first luminescence material, the first luminescence material having a first weight percent CW1 relative to a total weight of the first luminescence converter; the light generation system further comprises a second light generation device, the second light generation device comprising a second light source and a second luminescence converter, the second light source comprising a solid-state light source, the second light source configured to generate a second light source light, the second luminescence converter configured to convert at least a portion of the second light source light into a second converter light, the second light generation device configured to generate a second device light having a spectral power distribution in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in which at least 60% of the spectral power is provided by the second converter light and at most 40% of the spectral power is provided by the second light source light, the second luminescence converter comprises a second matrix material and a second luminescent material, the second luminescent material having a second weight percent CW2 relative to a total weight of the second luminescence converter; A light-generating system, wherein CW1 / CW2≦0.

5.

2. 2. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein the first light source centroid wavelength is selected from the range of 395 to 415 nm, and the first luminescence converter is configured to convert the first light source light to first converter light having the first converter centroid wavelength selected from a green wavelength range.

3. 3. The light generation system of claim 1, wherein CW1≦10 wt %, the first light source centroid wavelength is selected from the range of 400-410 nm, and the first device light has a color point with u′ selected from the range of 0.10-0.22 and v′ selected from the range of 0.30-0.

55.

4. 4. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein the second device light is white light.

5. 5. The light generating system of claim 4, wherein the second source light has a second source centroid wavelength selected from the range of 445 to 480 nm, and the second device light has a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500 K, a color point within 0 to 15 SDCM from the blackbody locus, and a color rendering index of at least 70.

6. 6. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein CW1 / CW2≦0.3, the first luminescent material comprises a particulate material, the first matrix material comprises a resin, the second luminescent material comprises a particulate material, and the second matrix material comprises a resin.

7. 7. The light generating system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein CW2 is at least 20 wt%.

8. at least 50 wt % of the first luminescent material has a particle size selected from the range of 1 to 20 μm; for a spectral power distribution of the first converter light in a range of 380 to 780 nm, at most 20% of the spectral power is in a range of 585 to 780 nm; 8. The light generation system of claim 1, wherein at most 30% of the spectral power is provided by the second source light relative to the spectral power distribution of the second device light in the range of 380 to 780 nm.

9. The first luminescent material is Eu ２＋ Based luminescent material and Ce ３＋ 9. The light generating system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the base luminescent materials.

10. 10. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein the system light has a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800 to 6500 K, a color point within 0 to 10 SDCM from the blackbody locus, and a color rendering index of at least 70.

11. 11. The light generating system of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control system, the control system configured to control the system light in dependence on one or more of a user interface input signal, a sensor signal, and a timer.

12. 12. The light-generating system of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to control the first light-generating device and the second light-generating device individually.

13. Further comprising a support, the light-generating system comprising a plurality of n1 first light-generating devices and a plurality of n2 second light-generating devices configured to be supported by a support; 13. The light-generating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of n1 first light-generating devices and the plurality of n2 second light-generating devices have a subset including at least two first light-generating devices and three or more second light-generating devices, and all second light-generating devices in the subset have an equal second pitch.

14. 14. A lighting device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a disinfection device and an optical wireless communication device, comprising a light generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. A method for treating at least a part of a space or an object, comprising providing system radiation comprising the first device light into the space or to the object using a light generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or an illumination device according to claim 14.

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