Ceramic-based UV LEDs with silicone lenses deliver exceptionally long lifetimes

The first two devices in a new series of ceramic-based, high-power UV LEDs with silicone lenses have been unveiled by Vishay. Designed to provide a reliable, energy-saving replacement for mercury lamps, the VLMU3500-385-060 and VLMU3500-385-120 deliver exceptionally long lifetimes in compact 3.5mm x 3.5mm surface-mount packages for medical, industrial, and printing applications. The silicone lenses of the VLMU3500-385-060 and VLMU3500-385-120 enable extremely long lifetimes compared to typical mercury lamps. The environmentally friendly UV LEDs are free of heavy metals and provide increased reliability with their shock resistance and immunity to degradation from frequent on/off switching. While mercury lamps require complex drive circuits and need two to 15 minutes to warm up, the VLMU3500-385-060 and VLMU3500-385-120 allow for the use of simple low-voltage circuitry and require no warm-up period. Built on InGaN (indium gallium nitride) technology, the devices feature typical radiant power of 780mW at 500mA and 1037mW at 700mA in a wavelength range between 380nm and 390nm. The VLMU3500-385-060 offers an emission angle of 60 degrees while the VLMU3500-385-120 has an emission angle of 120 degrees. The devices provide radiant intensity of 730mW/sr and 390mW/sr at 700mA, respectively. The LEDs' specifications make them ideal for UV curing in nail salon, dental, and poster printing applications; blood and counterfeit money detection; and photocatalytic purification. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green, the VLMU3500-385-060 and VLMU3500-385-120 are compatible with reflow soldering processes and feature a Moisture Sensitivity Level of 2 in accordance with J-STD-020. Samples are available, says the company.