New long-life high-power UV LED in the 365nm wavelength range

Vishay has introduced a new device in its VLMU35xx series of ceramic-based, high-power UV LEDs with silicone lenses that features a wavelength in the 365nm range. Designed to provide a reliable, energy-saving replacement for mercury lamps, the Vishay Semiconductors VLMU3510-365-130 delivers an exceptionally long lifetime in a compact 3.45mm by 3.45mm surface-mount package for medical, industrial, and printing applications. The silicone lens of the VLMU3510-365-130 enables extremely long lifetimes up to 25,000 h, compared to the typical mercury lamp lifetime of 10,000 h. The environmentally friendly UV LED is free of heavy metals and provides increased reliability with its 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 VLMU3510-365-130 allows for the use of simple low-voltage circuitry and requires no warm-up period. Built on InGaN (indium gallium nitride) technology, the device released today features typical radiant power of 690mW at 500mA and 945mW at 700mA in a wavelength range between 362.5nm and 370nm. The VLMU3510-365-130 offers an emission angle of 130 degrees and radiant intensity of 315mW/sr at 700mA. The LED's specifications make it ideal for UV curing in nail salon, dental, and poster printing applications; blood and counterfeit banknote detection; and photocatalytic purification. RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, the VLMU3510-365-130 is compatible with reflow soldering processes and features a moisture sensitivity level of '3' in accordance with J-STD-020, says the company.