Versatile UV-C LEDs and UV sensors at COMPAMED 2021

Many medical applications use UV-C LEDs and UV sensors in the fight against germs. They support monitoring and disinfection, as the sensors are designed to even detect bacterial contamination.

At COMPAMED 2021, Alexander Wilm gave a presentation on UV-C LEDs and UV sensors. In this post-event review, Mr. Wilm explains why the LEDs and sensors are ideal components in many applications and looks back on this year’s trade fair experience.

Mr. Wilm, what were your expectations when you came to COMPAMED 2021?

Alexander Wilm: COMPAMED was one of the first and few in-person events this year. It was important for us to attend since it gave us the opportunity to make new contacts and maintain and revive existing relationships with our customers. The trade fair was also an excellent platform to showcase our latest innovations and products. While this can be also be done digitally, an in-person trade fair is simply a one-of-a-kind experience.

Did the trade show meet your expectations?

Wilm: Yes, things were basically the way they used to be pre-pandemic. It gave us exactly what we were missing, namely spontaneous conversations with customers who approach you after a presentation or simply stop by our booth. These exchanges can lead to a customer-supplier relationship and subsequent partnership.

Which products did you feature at COMPAMED?

Wilm: We showcased our UV-C LEDs and our UV sensor. They are widely used for disinfection of air, water, and surfaces. UV-C LEDs have high radiance flux. This can be utilized along with optical structures to construct highly accurate and dedicated system designs to treat various microorganisms. A UV sensor can monitor this process and check whether the required dose has been applied. If it detects a deviation, the system can immediately make corrections via the sensor.

Another product in our portfolio facilitates biomonitoring with the help of wearables. This allows the monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, and blood oxygen levels by integrating sensors along with the required light-emitting diodes.

We also featured a lateral flow test that is designed to aid in the rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. It facilitates a fully digital or spectral readout, which makes it far more tamper-proof. The result is encrypted and transmitted via an app, providing a better way to digitally track the infection process.

You gave a presentation at the trade fair. Could you give us a brief summary?

Wilm: The presentation discussed the combination of UV-C LEDs and UV sensors. The sensor monitors the dose of the surface application and prompts corrections if needed. The sensor data also facilitates treatment documentation. You can even measure the bacterial contamination. In this case, bacteria are irradiated with UV-C LEDs and stimulated to UV-A fluorescence. A sensor that detects UV-A, UV-B and UV-C radiation allows you to accurately determine the contamination level.

What feedback did your presentation get?

Wilm: The presentation was well received, and it felt amazing to get direct and in-person feedback and tough questions thrown at you. It makes me happy to talk about things that motivate and inspire others in return. After all, questions inspire critical thinking, which will lead to better discussion, as was the case after my presentation.

How has the pandemic affected the medical sensors market?

Wilm: I think the pandemic has drawn increased attention to the issue, though I would not say it has necessarily ignited a boom since the technology has reached the maturity phase - especially in the UV-C range, which pertains to sterilization and disinfection. We have explored the possibilities of UV-C LED technology for over eight years. The outbreak of the pandemic is more of a fortunate coincidence.

Do you already know whether we get to welcome you at COMPAMED 2022?

Wilm: We can't say for sure at this stage. However, our trade fair experience was very positive, which means we will definitely sit down to discuss the issue at a later point.