Harnessing the potential of UV semiconductor technologies more quickly

The founders of Advanced UV for Life e.V.

UV technologies can be used in a variety of ways and open up opportunities for innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. In times of the Corona pandemic, it becomes particularly clear what contributions they can make. The association "Advanced UV for Life e.V. – Association for the Promotion of UV Semiconductor Technologies" has therefore committed itself to quickly advancing such technological solutions and transferring them from research into application.

Small radiation source – wide range of applications

With light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, surfaces, air, and water can be disinfected quickly, environmentally friendly, and without chemicals. Corona viruses and other pathogens such as multi-resistant germs can also be inactivated with this method. Another advantage of UV-LEDs is that the emitted wavelength can be adjusted between 210 and 400 nanometers. This opens up many additional possibilities, such as for medical prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of diseases. They are also used for rapid curing of composite materials, adhesives, and paints, as well as in environmental analysis, sensor technology, and life sciences.

Although UV-LEDs are already used in many applications, there is still a significant need for research and technological development. Close coordination between the developers of the components and end-users in various fields is essential to quickly implement innovative ideas. Legal regulations and standards for the use of new components and technologies are crucial for market access.

Developing faster through a competent network

The newly founded "Advanced UV for Life e.V." association consolidates expertise from industry and science along the entire value chain – from concept to UV semiconductor to its application. This is also reflected in the list of founding members. The association builds on the eight-year experience of the same-named consortium, which was funded within the framework of the Zwanzig20 program by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

"The goal is to promote and accelerate the technological development of UV light sources and UV sensors, especially LEDs, photodiodes, and laser diodes," says Prof. Dr. Michael Kneissl. He is the chairman of the board of the association, whose office is located at the Berlin Ferdinand-Braun Institute. The association provides the communication and cooperation platform to discuss technological and scientific questions as well as to initiate development projects and research initiatives.

To enable environmentally friendly and economical UV technologies to become more widespread, the association aims to inform the public, politics, and media comprehensively about the new products and services. It also participates in expert committees and panels to help shape legal regulations, standards, and other frameworks.

In the board, alongside Prof. Dr. Michael Kneissl (Technical University of Berlin and Ferdinand-Braun-Institut), as chairman, are Prof. Dr. Michael Heuken (AIXTRON SE), Dr. Martin Straßburg (OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH), Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Westerhoff (Fraunhofer Society), and Dr. Olaf Brodersen (CiS Research Institute for Microsystems Technology GmbH). The board is supported by an internal advisory board of nine members, representing various specialist fields.

Be part of it

With its founding, the association invites companies and research institutions, idea generators and experts, UV enthusiasts, and networkers to jointly build a strong organization, think outside the box, and thus accelerate the development of new UV technologies. Members can be all companies and scientific institutions active in this field as well as interested individuals. Further information about membership can be found on the website https://www.advanced-uv.de/verein.