Applications
Applications for Ultra-Violet Light Emitting Devices (UV LEDs)
The challenge to supply affordable, point of use water sterilization systems is an enormous global problem. The World Health Organization estimates that water-borne bacterium kills 3,500 children per day worldwide.
AlN-based UV-C LEDs efficiently generate light in the UV-C range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelengths around 260nm efficiently kill bacteria in water and in the air while eliminating the excessive, toxic waste associated with mercury-based ultraviolet lamps. No other solid state technology can do this. Because these devices are small, efficient, rugged, and responsive, UV-C LEDs are suitable for water sterilization at the point of use - in the home, in the office, and in remote locations.
Other applications include:
- Public health: Sterilization of bacteria in food, indoor air, and work surfaces and tools in food processing and medical facilities;
- Homeland security: Use of UV sensitive dies and inks in identity documents and currency as well as UV fluorescence needed to identify airborne biological toxins in real time, operational situations and settings;
- Science, engineering, and industry: Use of UV-C LED light sources in spectroscopy to analyze the chemical composition of materials, including minerals and gemstones. In addition, UV curable inks and polymers (using mercury lamps) are eliminating the needs for toxic, solvent-based inks, and help reduce the "smudge" problem in the printing of newspapers and magazines;
- National Security: Solar blind detectors, short-range covert communication devices.
Applications in Power Conversion
Power conversion devices convert electricity from one voltage to another or from alternating to direct current. Applications for these devices are all around us; from your personal computer’s power adapter to hybrid vehicles.
High-power electric systems such as solar cell installations and the new class of electric cars present special power conversion challenges. In these applications, every bit of power efficiency is important. AlN devices provide unmatched capability to handle large amounts of power and convert it more efficiently than any other alternative.
Based on the Company’s initial test results, HexaTech’s AlN devices outperform other semiconductors by more than a factor of 10. For example, the graph below shows two key performance parameters for a particular power conversion device called a Schottky Diode. These devices are a mainstream workhorse for a myriad of power conversion applications. The best Schottky Diodes have a combination of low on-resistance and high breakdown voltage.
This shows that the combined benefit of higher breakdown voltage and lower on resistance means that Schottky Diodes, made with AlN should have a power handling capacity 15 times better than those made with silicon carbide (SiC) or gallium nitride (GaN).
