Tech-Led Blog

The evolution of Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology has revolutionized numerous industries by providing energy-efficient, durable, and versatile lighting solutions. LEDs operate across a broad spectrum of wavelengths—from ultraviolet (UV) through visible light to infrared (IR)—each offering unique properties that are harnessed for specialized applications. Below is a list of industrial applications associated with various LED wavelength ranges.

Ultraviolet (UV) LEDs (200–400 nm)

UV-C LEDs (200–280 nm)

• Sterilization and Disinfection: UV-C LEDs are instrumental in water purification systems, air sterilizers, and surface disinfectants. They inactivate microorganisms like bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA and RNA structures, making them unable to reproduce.

UV-B LEDs (280–315 nm)

• Phototherapy: Used in medical treatments for skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo. UV-B radiation stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, aiding in therapeutic processes.

UV-A LEDs (315–400 nm)

• Photolithography: Essential in semiconductor manufacturing for creating intricate patterns on silicon wafers.
• Curing Applications: Employed in the rapid curing of inks, coatings, and adhesives, improving production efficiency.
• Fluorescence Analysis: Utilized in nondestructive testing and forensic analysis to detect surface cracks and flaws through fluorescence.

Visible Light LEDs (400–700 nm)

Violet LEDs (400–420 nm)

• Skin Therapy: Used in dermatology to treat acne and other skin conditions due to their antibacterial properties.
• Forensic Applications: Aid in detecting substances that fluoresce under violet light, such as bodily fluids at crime scenes.

Blue LEDs (430–470 nm)

• Dental Curing Instruments: Harden dental composites in procedures like fillings and sealants.
• Phototherapy: Treat neonatal jaundice by breaking down excess bilirubin in infants.
• Horticultural Lighting: Promote vegetative growth in plants by enhancing chlorophyll absorption.

Blue LEDs (470 nm)

• White Light Generation: Serve as the base wavelength for phosphor conversion to produce white LEDs used in general lighting.

Green LEDs (520–530 nm)

• Traffic Signal Lights: Used in green signals due to their high visibility.
• Indicators and Displays: Common in electronic devices for status indicators and display screens.

Amber LEDs (580–590 nm)

• Traffic Signal Lights: Employed in amber or yellow traffic signals.
• Warning Lights: Used in industrial settings for caution signals and alerts.

Red LEDs (630–640 nm)

• Traffic Signal Lights: Standard for red stop signals.
• Indicators and Displays: Utilized in a variety of signaling devices and electronic displays.

Deep Red LEDs (660–680 nm)

• Blood Oximetry: Measure oxygen saturation in blood, critical for patient monitoring.
• Blood Analysis: Assist in medical diagnostics and laboratory equipment.
• Photodynamic Therapy: Used in treatments involving light-activated drugs to target cancer cells.
• Horticultural Lighting: Stimulate flowering and fruiting in plants, enhancing agricultural productivity.

Infrared (IR) LEDs (700 nm–1 mm)

Near-Infrared LEDs (700–850 nm)

• Night-Vision Illumination: Provide illumination invisible to the naked eye but detectable by night-vision equipment and CCD cameras.
• Sensing and Detection: Integral in proximity sensors, optical encoders, and safety light curtains for automation systems.

Near-Infrared LEDs (850–940 nm)

• Photoelectric Controls: Used in remote sensing and switching devices for industrial automation.
• Covert Illumination: Enable surveillance systems that remain undetectable to subjects being monitored.

Infrared LEDs (940 nm)

• Data Communication: Found in remote controls and infrared data transmission devices, offering secure communication channels.
• Security Systems: Provide invisible illumination for cameras and sensors in security applications.

Mid-Infrared LEDs (1,400–3,000 nm)

• Thermal Imaging and Monitoring: Used in cameras for predictive maintenance and process monitoring by detecting heat signatures.
• Gas Detection Equipment: Aid in environmental compliance by identifying gas emissions in industrial processes.

Deep Infrared and Terahertz LEDs

Deep Infrared LEDs (3–25 μm)

• Spectroscopy and Material Analysis: Essential in identifying chemical compositions and molecular structures, crucial for quality control and process verification in manufacturing.

Terahertz LEDs (0.1–10 THz)

• Security and Imaging: Emerging applications in non-destructive testing and security scanning. Terahertz radiation can penetrate materials like plastics and ceramics to reveal internal features without causing damage.

Summary of Industrial LED Applications Across Wavelengths

The ability to harness specific wavelengths allows industries to exploit the unique interactions between light and various materials and biological systems. LEDs across the electromagnetic spectrum play a pivotal role in advancing technology and improving efficiency in industrial applications. Below is a list of LED wavelengths and associated industrial applications.