Any images depicting the use of Far-UVC
are artistic renderings. Far-UVC does not generate any visible light.
Ongoing Far-UVC Research
There is ongoing research into Far-UVC in both academic labs and private companies to certify the safety and efficacy of this type of UVC and help develop low cost implementations. We hope the FDA will certify Far-UVC for use in occupied spaces.Columbia University
Dr. David Brenner and his team at Columbia University continue research on the efficacy
and safety of Far-UVC for germicidal use in the presence of humans. Germicidal Efficacy and Mammalian Skin Safety of 222-nm UV Light
Current Studies:
- Far-UVC inactivation of aerosolized coronaviruses (HCov-229E and HCov-OC43 seasonal coronaviruses)
- Completed successfully
- 60 Week Safety Study
(38 weeks into study as of April 8, 2020)
- 100 SKH-1 hairless mice
- Exposed 8 hrs./day to graded high doses of 222-nm Far-UVC light.
- No skin lesions and No eye issues.
- On June, 24 2020 researchers updated the orignal research "Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses" and discuss Far_UVC as applied to "airborne human coronaviruses" like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
April 8, 2020 Zoom meeting technical discussion of current research at Columbia University
USHIO Inc.
Long-term Effects of 222‐nm ultraviolet radiation C Sterilizing Lamps on Mice Susceptible to Ultraviolet Radiation- Safety Study (10 Week Exposure and further 15 week monitoring)
- Hairless albino Xpa +/+ and Xpa −/− mice, aged 9–20 weeks
- No inflammatory response induced by 222-nm UVC irradiation
Physics World Far-UVC LED Research
The Potential Of Far-Ultraviolet Light For The Next Pandemic
" ... A Narrow Range Of Far-UV Wavelengths Seems To Be Safe For Humans, While Being Lethal For Viruses. Sterilization Could Become Easy, Routine And Effective ..."
Far-UVC Technology
There are several technologies currently available for generating Far-UVC (207 - 222 nm) light. These include:
An excimer lamp (or excilamp) is a source of ultraviolet light produced by spontaneous emission of excimer (exciplex) molecules.
Excimer lamps are referred to as cold sources of UV radiation since the radiating surface of excimer lamps remains at relatively low temperatures
in contrast with traditional UV lamps like a mercury one. Because the medium does not need to be heated,
excimer lamps reach their peak output almost immediately after they are turned on.
Far-UVC excimer lamps use a krypton-chlorine (KrCl*) gas as an 'excimer molecule' to produce UV light output at 222 nm.
Some form factors available are glass tubular and arrays made from smaller 2.25" square excimer lamp modules to increase Far-UVC light output.
All Far-UVC light sources and fixtures should meet minimum safety standards including ISO 15858:2016 safety standard.
Microplasma lamps are another form of excimer lamp. The team of Gary Eden and Sung-Jin Park are pioneering the use of microplasmas for general illumination
and ultraviolet wavelengths including 222nm Far-UVC lamps .
Their apparatus uses many microplasma generators in a large array, which emit light through a clear,
transparent window. Unlike fluorescent lamps, which require the electrodes to be far apart in a cylindrical
cavity and vacuum conditions, microplasma light sources can be put into many different shapes and
configurations, and generate heat. OEM partners are designing Eden Park lamps in a wide variety of fixtures for use in indoor enclosed spaces.
All Far-UVC light sources and fixtures should meet minimum safety standards including ISO 15858:2016 safety standard.
