Deep UV Phosphor Filter Layout for Safe Broad-Spectrum Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet radiation devices using excimer lamps with KrCl gas are toxic and limited in wavelength emission, and UVC2 light sources face material limitations, restricting broad disinfection efficacy and safety.
Innovation Solution
A gas-discharging tube array-type surface-emitting light source device utilizing a deep ultraviolet phosphor excited by xenon gas with a broad emission spectrum and an optical filter to regulate wavelength transmission, combined with ozone generation and controlled emission to enhance disinfection and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If KrCl excimer lamp is used to emit deep ultraviolet rays at 222 nm, then bacterial inactivation efficiency is improved, but the device becomes toxic and environmentally harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the emission wavelength parameter from the conventional 222 nm KrCl excimer to a broader spectrum ranging from 200-280 nm using xenon gas discharge. This parameter change maintains disinfection effectiveness while eliminating the toxicity associated with KrCl gas, as xenon is inert and non-toxic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive and hazardous KrCl excimer lamp with a more economical xenon gas-filled discharge tube. The xenon gas can be contained in a durable glass tube that can be replaced if needed, eliminating the need for handling toxic KrCl gas and reducing long-term operational costs and environmental risks.
2Measurement precision
If KrCl excimer lamp with narrow emission wavelength is used, then specific wavelength effectiveness is improved, but the ability to inactivate diverse bacteria and viruses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the disinfection device universal by broadening the emission spectrum from a single 222 nm wavelength to a continuous spectrum covering 200-280 nm. This multi-wavelength capability allows the device to effectively inactivate a broader range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and spores that have different sensitivity profiles at different wavelengths within the UVC range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spectral distribution parameter from a narrow peak at 222 nm to a broad continuous spectrum from 200-280 nm. This is achieved by using xenon gas discharge which naturally emits across the entire UVC range, providing adaptable effectiveness against diverse microbial targets without requiring multiple separate light sources.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional glass material is used for gas-discharging tubes, then manufacturing ease is improved, but transmission of shorter wavelengths below 240 nm is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite structure consisting of a glass envelope containing xenon gas and a phosphor coating on the inner surface. The glass material (such as fused silica or special UV-transmitting glass) is selected to transmit short wavelengths, while the phosphor layer converts part of the vacuum UV radiation to deep UV wavelengths. This composite approach enables both short wavelength transmission and enhanced deep UV output.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a phosphor layer as an intermediary substance between the xenon gas discharge and the external environment. The phosphor absorbs vacuum UV radiation (200-230 nm) from the xenon discharge and re-emits it as deep UV light (230-280 nm), effectively mediating the energy conversion and enabling transmission of wavelengths that would otherwise be blocked by conventional glass.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical filter is added to block wavelengths of 240 nm or more, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the phosphor layer itself as an intermediary that naturally filters the spectrum by converting vacuum UV to deep UV. This inherent spectral filtering property of the phosphor reduces or eliminates the need for additional optical filters, maintaining safety while minimizing added complexity. The phosphor acts as a built-in wavelength selector that protects against harmful shorter wavelengths while transmitting beneficial deep UV.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves efficient bacteria and virus elimination across a wide wavelength range, minimizing human harm by controlling ozone generation and emission, thus providing safe and effective disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a deep ultraviolet phosphor excited by a discharge of xenon gas (Xe) and has a broad emission spectrum (UVC1) in a wavelength range of at least 210 to 250 nm with a peak wavelength in the vicinity of 228 nm
Implementation Method 2
arranging an optical filter that is placed opposite to light emitting surfaces (which are surfaces of gas-discharging tubes arrayed), as needed, and substantially blocks the transmission of ultraviolet rays in a wavelength region of 240 nm or more of the phosphor emission spectrum
Implementation Method 3
a gas-discharging tube array-type surface-emitting light source device that utilizes a deep ultraviolet phosphor excited by a discharge of xenon gas (Xe)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a deep ultraviolet radiation apparatus that is safe and has a high bacteria eliminating effect.The ultraviolet radiation apparatus comprises an optical filter that prevents the transmission of ultraviolet light of 240 nm or more emitted from a phosphor, wherein the optical filter is arranged facing light emitting surfaces of a gas-discharging tube array-type surface-emitting ultraviolet light source device comprising phosphor layer having a broad emission spectrum with a wavelength width of at least 210 nm to 250 nm with a peak wavelength of 228 nm. Light irradiated from the light source device is incident on a filter membrane with an incident angle thereof being altered by a transparent substrate of the optical filter. An ozone generation space may be formed between the surface-emitting ultraviolet light source device and the optical filter.