Florida Groups Develop Energy-Efficient UV LEDs

The universities of Florida, South Florida and Central Florida are collaborating with Uniroyal Optoelectronics, a subsidiary of Uniroyal Technology Corp., to develop UV (350 to 400 nm) AlGaInN-based LEDs, which may be the foundation for efficient "white light" devices. The solid-state LEDs are expected to use considerably less power than incandescent bulbs.

Uniroyal says that UV LEDs packaged with a tricolored phosphor generate a purer, brighter, more efficient "white" device than the current technology of high-brightness blue LEDs packaged with yellow phosphor. The "UV Florida" project will be funded by a state research and development incentive program.