This thread has gotten pretty quiet lately??
Here is an article from the Japanese press which I don't know what it means to Cree but I thought some here might find of interest.
Nikkei Weekly Mar 26,2001
Tokushima venture devises LED boasting wavelength of 350nm Corporate/academic firm to commercialize device with medical potential
The ultraviolet light-emitting diode developed by Nitride Semiconductors has a wavelength of 350nm and an output of 0.1mw, making it suitable for commercial production.
Nitride Semiconductors Co., a joint venture between Tokushima Prefecture universities and industry, has gotten a jump start with the development of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode with a 350nm wavelength and 0.1mw output, a level sufficient for commercialization.
High-energy ultraviolet LEDs operating on short wavelengths are expected to find applications in a wide array of fields, including use as a light source for the detection of particles in microchemistry.
In late January, Nitride Semiconductors began providing free samples to companies interested in conducting joint research to develop applications for the product.
The ultraviolet LED was made by layering gallium nitride crystals on a sapphire substrate. The extremely short wavelength was achieved by including aluminum in the manufacturing process.
While it was previously known that the inclusion of aluminum shortens the LED wavelength, it was feared that doing so would also decrease the light output. Nitride Semiconductors was able to resolve the issue through measures such as manipulating the layered structure, the amount of aluminum and temperature management.
The prototypes have a light output of 0.1mw, but "technologically, we are poised to greatly boost the usable range to 1mw," said Nitride Semiconductors President Yoshihiko Muramoto. The company has already applied for patents.
The short wavelength makes it easy to focus ultraviolet LEDs, making them a candidate for use as a light source in cancer treatment devices embedded in the body and other forms of cutting-edge medicine.
One rival is already ahead in terms of commercializing a 370nm version with a 1mw output, but "due to differences in areas like production methodology, we do not infringe upon existing patents," a Nitride Semiconductors official said.
Nitride Semiconductors was established in April 2000, and has University of Tokushima Professor Shiro Sakai, a well-known developer of mass-production technology for gallium nitride substrates, as a technical adviser. The company is spending 600 million yen ($4.9 million) on a plant in Tokushima, where it plans to produce ultraviolet LEDs. |
