Seoul Viosys of Seoul, South Korea, a subsidiary of Seoul Semiconductor and Sensor Electronic Technology Inc. (SETi) of Columbia, South Carolina USA, agreed to jointly commercialize and expand sales of UV LED technology. NASA reportedly used the same UV LED technology that the companies jointly developed called Violeds aboard the International Space Station.
The International Space Station (ISS) utilizes a UVC wavelength of the Violeds. The wavelength is ideal for sterilizing. According to Seoul, the technology facilitates a range of experimental and sterile environments in the sealed space station and helps ensures experiment validity and crew member safety.
High exposure to Ultraviolet rays (UV) are thought to be harmful to human bodies. However, some UV exposure is needed for the body to produce Vitamin D which is a necessity for good health and cannot come from food alone. Used in the right intensity for the proper amount of time, it can be used for sterilizing from bacteria, water and air purification, material hardening, and sensors.
Even fluorescent lights emit small amounts UV rays, which are not known to have any harmful effects. High-density exposures such as a direct flash of UV rays are regulated with the tolerance band in Europe and the U.S. Such exposure is not recommended for more than 30 min at 30 cm distance.
Seoul Viosys was established in 2002, by the technology alliance with Japanese company Nitride Semiconductor, the first Near UV developer in the world. Viosys has focused on Deep UV applications for its potential for growth and has invested on source technology and increased production capacity. Seoul Viosys has reportedly maintained a technology alliance with U.S.-based SETi, a Deep UV developer and manufacturer for more than ten years.
Seoul Viosys recently obtained the approval for management control of SETi from the US department of defense and a foreign investment committee. Seoul Viosys decided to expand SETi’s capacity for mass production up to 3 times. Additionally, Seoul Viosys intends to expand related products utilizing Violeds and to try to reduce the price through mass production.
Jaejo Kim, CEO of Seoul Viosys, stated, “Violeds technology applied to the use in the space station for disinfection is a very good example of “Creative Economy”. A novel technology will contribute to increased employment and to the growth of the national economy as well.”
Emmanuel Lakios, CEO of SETi, said, “SETi’s associated Violeds technology has lead UV LED industry and is proud to have been recognized by NASA and to be a supplier to them for the International Space Station.” Lakios added, “Seoul Viosys Violeds is environmental friendly, we expected to be applicable to household appliances automotive air conditioning and many more applications, etc, which need sterilizing, but difficult to do so.”
