Sept. 28, 2007 -- Crystal IS Inc. of Green Island, NY, has announced winning a $2M award from National Institute of Science and Technology's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) for the development of high performance deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes based on its process for developing low-defect aluminum nitride substrates.
This award is a 3-year contract for $2M where Crystal IS will investigate the use of its AlN substrates to develop 280 nm LEDs operating at high powers, with high efficiencies and long lifetimes.
The target performance of the LEDs at the end of this program is aimed at a point where LEDs become a cost competitive light source in the water, air and surface disinfection markets.
While LEDs are now commonplace in the visible spectrum, there remain significant challenges to developing cost-effective LEDs operating in the deep UV at wavelengths less than 320 nanometers. The new ATP grant will help Crystal IS to address these challenges through the use of novel materials, processing techniques and designs to produce high efficiency LEDs that operate in the deep ultraviolet.
Dr. Leo Schowalter, CTO said "We are honored to be chosen recipients of this highly prestigious award," and added that, "We see this award as validation of our technology roadmap of using its AlN substrates for high performance deep UV emitters."
CEO, Dr. Ding Day stated that this ATP award would further Crystal IS's development of UV LEDs "which we expect will lead to a revolution in the use of solid-state UV emitters for water and air disinfection."
Tim Bettles, VP of Business Development commented, "We are world leaders in the development and deployment of these products -- products that may seem a small niche today -- but will one day enhance everyone's lives."
The ATP bridges the gap between the research lab and the market place, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, ATP's early stage investment is accelerating the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation.
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