阅读说明：本技术 配置用于与uv led一起使用的光漫射多光纤设计 (Light diffusing multi-fiber design configured for use with UV LEDs ) 是由 斯蒂芬·艾沃维奇·洛古诺夫 于 2019-12-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开了紫外(UV)照明系统的实施方案。所述UV照明系统包括至少一个UV发光二极管(LED)和光漫射光纤束。所述光漫射光纤束包括束护套和设置在所述束护套内的多个光纤。每个光纤由具有含有小于90摩尔％二氧化硅的玻璃组合物的玻璃纤芯和围绕所述玻璃纤芯的包层构成。所述玻璃纤芯或所述包层中的至少一者包括散射中心。此外,所述光漫射光纤束光学地耦合到所述UV LED。本文还公开了一种UV光漫射光纤以及一种使用包含UV光漫射光纤的UV照明系统对对象进行消毒的方法。(Embodiments of an Ultraviolet (UV) illumination system are disclosed herein. The UV illumination system includes at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a light diffusing fiber bundle. The light diffusing fiber optic bundle includes a bundle jacket and a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the bundle jacket. Each optical fiber is composed of a glass core having a glass composition containing less than 90 mol% silica and a cladding surrounding the glass core. At least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers. Further, the light-diffusing fiber bundle is optically coupled to the UV LED. Also disclosed herein are a UV light diffusing fiber and a method of disinfecting an object using a UV illumination system including the UV light diffusing fiber.)

1. An Ultraviolet (UV) illumination system, comprising:

at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED); and

a light diffusing fiber bundle, the light diffusing fiber bundle comprising:

a bundle sheath;

a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the bundle jacket, each optical fiber comprising:

a glass core comprising a glass composition comprising less than 90 mol% silica; and

a cladding surrounding the glass core;

wherein at least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers;

wherein the light-diffusing fiber bundle is optically coupled to the UV LED.

2. The UV lighting system of claim 1, wherein the UV LED is configured to generate UV light having a wavelength of 365nm to 405 nm.

3. The UV illumination system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the UV LED has at least 1mm²And wherein the size of the face region at the end of the light diffusing fiber bundle is at least the same as the emission region.

4. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass composition of the glass core comprises at least one of a soda lime glass, a borosilicate glass, or an aluminosilicate glass.

5. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass core comprises scattering centers.

6. The UV illumination system of claim 5, wherein the scattering centers of the glass fiber core comprise air lines.

7. The UV illumination system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the scattering centers comprise ZrO₂、Al₂O₃Or a glass phase separator.

8. The UV illumination system of any of claims 5-7, wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the glass core is about 0.01% to about 5% by volume.

9. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding comprises a polymer.

10. The UV illumination system of any of claims 1-8, wherein the cladding comprises a second glass composition different from the glass composition of the glass core.

11. The UV illumination system of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the cladding comprises scattering centers.

12. The UV illumination system of claim 11, wherein the scattering centers of the cladding comprise high index particles, wherein the refractive index of the high index particles is at least 0.05 higher than the refractive index of the cladding.

13. The UV illumination system of claim 12, wherein the high index particles comprise BaS, SiO₂、Al₂O₃Or ZrO₂At least one of (a).

14. The UV illumination system of claim 11, wherein the scattering centers comprise voids.

15. The UV illumination system of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the cladding is 0.05% to 2% by volume.

16. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam sheath comprises a polymer.

17. The UV illumination system of claim 16, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of: polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, copolyester-thermoplastic elastomer, polyether block amine, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide or polycarbonate.

18. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam sheath comprises scattering centers.

19. The UV illumination system of claim 18, wherein the scattering center of the beam sheath comprises Al₂O₃At least one of, BaS, hollow glass spheres, or bubbles.

20. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber bundle further comprises: a filler disposed within the bundle jacket and around the plurality of optical fibers.

21. The UV illumination system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of optical fibers comprises at least 10 optical fibers.

22. An Ultraviolet (UV) Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF), comprising:

a glass core comprising less than 90 mol% SiO₂The glass composition of (1); and

a cladding disposed longitudinally around the glass core;

wherein at least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers; and is

Wherein the glass composition absorbs at least 10% of light having a wavelength of less than 400nm per meter.

23. The UV LDF of claim 22, wherein said glass composition comprises at least 50 mol% SiO₂Up to 20 mol% Al₂O₃Up to 20 mol% of B₂O₃And up to 25 mole% R₂At least one of O or RO, wherein at R₂In O, R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs, and wherein in RO, R is any one or more of Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba.

24. The UV LDF of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the glass composition comprises at most 1ppm of each of Co, Ni, and Cr and at most 50ppm of Fe.

25. The UV LDF of any of claims 22-24, wherein the glass core comprises scattering centers.

26. The UV LDF of claim 25, wherein the scattering centers of the glass core comprise air lines.

27. The UV LDF of claim 25, wherein the scattering centers of the glass core comprise ZrO₂、Al₂O₃Or a glass phase separator.

28. The UV LDF of any of claims 25-27, wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the glass core is about 0.01% to about 5% by volume.

29. The UV LDF of any one of claims 22-28, wherein said cladding layer comprises a polymer.

30. The UV LDF of any of claims 22-28, wherein the cladding layer comprises a second glass composition different from the glass composition of the glass core.

31. The UV LDF of any one of claims 22-30, wherein said cladding layer comprises scattering centers.

32. The UV LDF of claim 31, wherein said scattering centers comprise high index particles, wherein said high index particles have a refractive index at least 0.05 higher than the refractive index of said cladding.

33. The UV LDF of claim 32, wherein the high index particles comprise BaS, SiO₂、Al₂O₃Or ZrO₂At least one of (a).

34. The UV LDF of claim 31, wherein said scattering centers of said cladding comprise voids.

35. The UV LDF of any one of claims 31-34, wherein said concentration of said scattering centers in said cladding is about 0.05% to about 2% by volume.

36. The UV LDF of any one of claims 22-35, further comprising: a coating disposed around the cladding.

37. An optical fiber bundle, comprising:

a bundle sheath;

a plurality of UV LDFs as recited in any of claims 22-36, disposed within the bundle jacket.

38. The optical fiber bundle of claim 37, wherein the bundle jacket comprises a polymer.

39. The optical fiber bundle of claim 38, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of: polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, copolyester-thermoplastic elastomer, polyether block amine, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide or polycarbonate.

40. The fiber optic bundle of any of claims 37-39, wherein the bundle jacket includes scattering centers.

41. The optical fiber bundle of claim 40, wherein the scattering center of the bundle jacket comprises Al₂O₃At least one of, BaS, hollow glass spheres, or bubbles.

42. The fiber optic bundle of any of claims 37-41, further comprising: a filler disposed within the bundle jacket and around the plurality of optical fibers.

43. The fiber optic bundle of any of claims 37-42, wherein the plurality of optical fibers includes at least 10 optical fibers.

44. A method for disinfecting an object with Ultraviolet (UV) light, the method comprising the steps of:

causing UV light to be emitted from at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED) into a fiber bundle coupled to the UV LED, the fiber bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers disposed within a jacket, each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers having a glass core containing less than 90 mol% silica;

dispersing the UV light from the fiber optic bundle; and

exposing the object to the UV light scattered from the fiber optic bundle.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the UV light has a wavelength of 365nm to 405 nm.

46. The method of claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the concentration is about 40J/cm²To about 600J/cm²The step of exposing the subject to the UV light is performed.

47. The method of any one of claims 43-45, wherein after the exposing step, the object undergoes log₁₀A reduction in bacterial pathogens of 4 or more.

48. The method of any one of claims 43-46, wherein the scattering step is at 100cm²Is provided with at least 10mW/cm²。

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to light diffusing optical fibers, and more particularly to light diffusing optical fibers or fiber bundles configured for use with ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

Background

A Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF) is configured to scatter light relatively uniformly over a length. The light scattered from the LDF can be used for a variety of purposes, including lighting or decoration. Generally, these LDFs are selected from the visible spectrum. However, LDFs can carry light from outside the visible spectrum, including the ultraviolet and infrared spectra. LDFs carrying these wavelengths also provide some type of functionality.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an Ultraviolet (UV) illumination system. The UV illumination system includes at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a light diffusing fiber bundle. The light diffusing fiber optic bundle includes a bundle jacket and a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the bundle jacket. Each optical fiber is composed of a glass core having a glass composition containing less than 90 mol% silica and a cladding surrounding the glass core. At least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers. Further, the light-diffusing fiber bundle is optically coupled to the UV LED.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an Ultraviolet (UV) Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF). The UV LDF comprises a material having less than 90 mol% SiO₂The glass core of the glass composition of (1). The UV LDF further includes a cladding disposed longitudinally around the glass core. At least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers. Further, the glass composition absorbs at least 10% per meter of light having a wavelength of less than 400 nm.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method for disinfecting an object with Ultraviolet (UV) light. In the method, UV light is caused to be emitted from at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED) into a fiber bundle coupled to the UV LED. The optical fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers disposed within a jacket, and each of the plurality of optical fibers has a glass core containing less than 90 mol% silica. Dispersing the UV light from the fiber optic bundle, and exposing the object to the UV light scattered from the fiber optic bundle.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light diffusing optical fiber according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a light diffusing fiber bundle according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a light diffusing fiber bundle according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a fiber optic bundle connected to a UV LED according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings in general, embodiments of a Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF) configured for use with an Ultraviolet (UV) Light Emitting Diode (LED) are provided. UV LEDs are less expensive than other UV light sources, such as laser diodes. However, UV LEDs are also larger than other UV light sources, which means that larger LDFs are required to pair with UV LEDs. The use of larger LDFs typically involves bundling multiple silica fibers and providing high purity silica to the fibers in the LDF is also expensive. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, embodiments of LDFs incorporating low silica glass fibers are provided. Generally, low quartz glass is not used for UV applications because it is known that the UV absorption of such glass increases as the weight percent (wt%) of silica decreases. However, when used with UV LEDs in short lengths, LDFs are still able to diffuse sufficient UV light for disinfection applications, such as disinfection of medical instruments. In such applications, high absorption at UV wavelengths is acceptable because sufficient UV diffuses from the LDF within a short length (e.g., 2m or less) to kill common bacterial pathogens. These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1 depicts a cross-section of a Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF)10 having a circular cross-section. LDF 10 includes a core 12, a cladding 14, and a coating 16. Disposed within at least one of the core 12, cladding 14, or coating 16 are scattering centers 18 that promote uniform diffusion of light from the LDF 10. In the depicted embodiment, scattering centers 18 are contained within cladding 16. The cladding 14 is disposed on the outer core surface 20 of the core 12, and the coating 16 is disposed on the outer cladding surface 22 of the cladding 14. In embodiments, the overcoat surface 24 defines the outermost extent (e.g., the radially outermost surface) of the LDF 10. In operation, light supplied from a UV LED light source enters the core 12 and is directed through the LDF 10. The direction of propagation of the guided light in LDF 10 may be referred to herein as the longitudinal or axial direction. The scattering center 18 effects scattering of light propagating in the LDF 10. In addition, the difference in refractive index between the core 12 and the cladding 14 (where the cladding 14 has a lower refractive index than the core 12) additionally causes scattering of light propagating in the LDF 10. Rayleigh scattering in portions of the core 12 and the cladding 14 also causes scattering losses.

The difference in refractive index between the core 12 and the cladding 14 allows the core to act as a waveguide and cause rayleigh scattering in the core and scattering at the core/cladding interface. For the LDF 10, the refractive index can be considered in terms of the Numerical Aperture (NA) equal to √ (n)_{Fiber core} ²－n_{Cladding layer} ²) Wherein n is_{Fiber core}＞n_{Cladding layer}. In embodiments, the NA is from 0.12 to 0.7.

In embodiments where the core 12 is glass, such as silica glass or modified silica glass, the glass composition of the core region 10 is characterized by soda-lime-silicate glass, alkali-borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass. Soda-lime-silicate glasses may contain varying levels of Na₂O, CaO and SiO₂. For example, a suitable soda-lime-silicate glass composition is 72 wt% SiO₂、17wt％Na₂O、4wt％CaO、5wt％LiO₂And 2 wt% MgO. The alkali borosilicate glass may contain different levels of SiO₂、B₂O₃And bases (e.g., Na)₂O). For example, a suitable alkali borosilicate glass composition is 75 wt% SiO₂、10wt％B₂O₃And 25 wt% Na₂And O. Aluminosilicate glasses may contain different levels of SiO₂And Al₂O₃. Alkali (e.g., NA) may also be included in the aluminosilicate glass composition₂O). For example, suitable aluminosilicate glass compositions comprise 50.0 wt.% to 75.0 wt.% SiO₂0.0 to 20.0 wt% of B₂O₃0.0 to 15.0 wt% of Al₂O₃0.0 to 1.5 wt% Li₂O and 3.0 wt% to 11.0 wt% Na₂And O. In yet another embodiment, the glass composition comprises from about 50 mol% to about 90 mol% SiO₂Up to 20 mol% Al₂O₃Up to 20 mol% of B₂O₃And up to 25 mole% R₂At least one of O or RO. At R₂In O, R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs, and in RO, R is any one or more of Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba. Furthermore, in embodiments, certain impurities are maintained at relatively low levels. Specifically, Co, Ni and Cr are each present at no more than 1ppm, and Fe is present at no more than 50 ppm. In embodiments, the glass composition transmits approximately 85% of the 405nm UV light and approximately 70% of the 375nm UV light. An example of a suitable glass composition for use in embodiments of the present invention is corning Iris^TM(can be selected fromAvailable from corning incorporated, corning, inc., corning, n.y.).

As mentioned above, the SiO of the glass composition of the core 12₂Lower than other glass compositions typically used for UV applications. Lower SiO₂The cost of the LDF 10 is reduced. However, lower SiO₂Horizontal means that more UV light will be absorbed in the core 12 of LDF 10. Thus, use of a composition containing less than 90 mole% SiO in UV applications₂The glass composition of (a) is counterintuitive. In practice, the glass composition used in the core area 12 of the LDF 10 absorbs at least 10% of the UV light incident on the ends of the LDF 10 per meter. In other embodiments, the glass composition absorbs at least 30% of incident UV light per meter, while in still other embodiments, the glass composition absorbs at least 50% of incident UV light per meter. In certain embodiments, the glass composition absorbs up to 60% of incident UV light per meter. As will be discussed below, high absorption losses are acceptable for certain applications because the bundling of LDFs 10 (especially over short lengths) produces a sufficient amount of scattering.

In embodiments, cladding 14 may be glass or a polymer. The glass used for the cladding 14 comprises the same low silica glass or modified silica glass as the core 12. The polymer used for the cladding 14 includes an acrylate polymer and/or a fluorine modified polymer.

In embodiments, the coating 16 is a polymer, such as an acrylate polymer. In selecting materials for the core 12 and the cladding 14, the core 12 is selected to have a higher index of refraction than the cladding 14. In addition, in selecting the material for coating 16, the material is selected to have a higher index of refraction than cladding 14.

The scattering center 18 is selected based on the low UV absorption characteristic between a wavelength of 360nm and a wavelength of 420 nm. In particular, high UV absorbing materials (such as TiO)₂) Not used as scattering center 18 in LDF 10. Exemplary materials that may be used as scattering centers 18 include ZrO₂、BaS、Al₂O₃Hollow glass spheres, glass phase separators, gas bubbles (e.g. SO)₂Air bubbles) and air lines (airline). The core 12, cladding 14, and/or coating 16 may includeMore than one type of scattering center 18.

In an embodiment, the scattering centers 18 in the cladding 14 are selected to have a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the cladding 14. In embodiments, the refractive index of the scattering center 18 is at least 0.05 higher than the refractive index of the cladding 14. In further embodiments, the refractive index of the scattering center 18 is at least 0.1 higher than the refractive index of the cladding 14. In yet further embodiments, the refractive index of the scattering centers 18 is at least 0.2 higher than the refractive index of the cladding 14, and in even further embodiments, the refractive index of the scattering centers 18 is at least 0.5 higher than the refractive index of the cladding 14.

The scattering center 18 may have a cross-section with the following dimensions: at least 30nm, or at least 50nm, or at least 100nm, or at least 250nm, or at least 500nm, or at least 1000nm, or between 30nm and 40 μm (40,000nm), or between 100nm and 40 μm, or between 250nm and 40 μm, between 500nm and 20 μm, or between 1000nm and 10 μm, or between 30nm and 2000 nm. The scattering centers 18 within the core 12, cladding 14, and/or coating 16 may include a distribution of cross-sectional dimensions.

In the core 12, the scattering centers 18 (when present) may occupy 0.01% to 5% of the fill fraction of the core 12. Further, in an embodiment, the core 12 may be divided into a plurality of regions, for example, a central region 12a, an intermediate region 12b, and an outer region 12 c. In embodiments, the scattering centers 18 may be included in only one, only two, or all three regions 12a, 12b, 12 c. In the cladding 14, the scattering centers 18 (when present) may occupy a 0.05% to 2% fill fraction of the cladding 14. In the coating 16, the scattering centers 18 (when present) may occupy a fill fraction of between 0.5% and 30%, or between 1% and 15%, or between 2% and 10% of the coating 16. As used herein, a fill fraction refers to the fraction of the cross-sectional area occupied by the scattering center. In one embodiment, the fill fraction is constant along the length of the light diffusing element. In another embodiment, the fill fraction varies along the length of the light diffusing element. To achieve a good approximation, the filling fraction corresponds to the volume fraction of the scattering center 18. Thus, the volume fraction of scattering centers 18 within the core 12 may be 0.01% to 5%. The volume fraction of scattering centers 18 within the cladding 14 may be 0.05% to 2%. The volume fraction of scattering centers 18 within coating 16 can be at least 0.5%, or at least 1.0%, or at least 2.0%, or at least 5.0%, or between 0.5% and 30%, or between 1.0% and 15%, or between 2.0% and 10%, or between 2.0% and 30%, or between 3.0% and 20%.

The cross-sectional profile of scattering centers 18 may vary at different locations in core 12, cladding 14, and/or coating 16 along the length of LDF 10. Variations may also occur in the axial or length direction of LDF 10.

LDF 10 may be configured to scatter light along all or a portion of the length of LDF 10 by controlling the placement and concentration of scattering centers 18 in cladding 14 and/or coating 16. The area of the LDF 10 that includes scattering centers 18 may scatter light efficiently to produce a lighting effect, whereas the area of the LDF 10 that lacks scattering centers 18 may not.

The outer core surface of the core 12 and the core 20 define a first cross-sectional dimension D₁. In embodiments, first cross-sectional dimension D of core 12, averaged over the length of LDF 10₁May be at least 65 μm, or at least 80 μm, or at least 100 μm, or at least 150 μm, or at least 170 μm, or at least 200 μm, or at least 250 μm, or at least 300 μm, or between 65 μm and 500 μm, or between 100 μm and 400 μm, or between 200 μm and 350 μm, or any subrange therebetween.

The outer cladding surface 22 of the cladding 14 defines a second cross-sectional dimension D₂. In embodiments, regardless of the first cross-sectional dimension D₁Of the second cross-sectional dimension D₂Is greater than the first cross-sectional dimension D₁5 μm to 20 μm larger. Thus, in embodiments, the thickness of the cladding 14 (i.e., the average distance between the outer core surface 20 and the outer cladding surface 22 along the length of the LDF 10) may be at least 5 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 20 μm, at least 30 μm, at least 40 μm, at least 50 μm, at least 60 μm, at least 70 μm, at least 80 μm, at least 90 μm, or up to 100 μm.

In embodiments, the outer coating surface 24 of the coating 16 defines a third cross-sectionDimension D₃. In embodiments, the third cross-sectional dimension D₂Is greater than the second cross-sectional dimension D₂20 μm to 50 μm larger. Thus, in embodiments, coating 16 surrounding cladding layer 14 has the following thicknesses (i.e., average distance between outer cladding surface 22 and outer coating surface 24 along the length of LDF 10): at least 20 μm, at least 30 μm, at least 40 μm, or at least 50 μm, or between 20 μm and 40 μm, or between 20 μm and 30 μm, or between 40 μm and 50 μm, or between 30 μm and 50 μm. In embodiments, the outer coating surface 24 defines an outermost radial extent of the LDF 10 of about 230 μm, about 300 μm, about 400 μm, about 500 μm, or about 550 μm.

While LDF 10 has been described as having a circular cross-section, it should be understood that the cross-section of LDF 10 may be arbitrarily shaped and may include rounded or flat sides. The shape of the cross-section may include circular, elliptical, square, rectangular and polygonal shapes as well as shapes including combinations of circular and flat sides. Thus, as used herein, a cross-sectional dimension refers to the longest straight-line distance between two points connecting the contours (e.g., circumference, perimeter) of the cross-section. For example: for a circular cross-section, the cross-sectional dimension is the diameter; for an elliptical cross-section, the cross-sectional dimension is the length of the major axis; and for a square or rectangular cross-section, the cross-sectional dimension is the distance between opposing corners. It is also understood that the shape and/or size of the cross-section may be constant or variable along the length dimension of the light diffusing element. LDFs having a circular cross-section, for example, may be tapered, wherein the diameter of the circular cross-section varies along the length of the LDF.

With respect to the length dimension of the LDF 10, the present disclosure is primarily directed to short-form LDFs 10 because low-silica glass has high absorption in the core 12. Thus, in embodiments, the length of LDF 10 is 0.01m to 2m long, 0.1m to 2m long, 0.3m to 2m long, 0.5m to 2m long, 0.7m to 2m long, 0.9m to 2m long, 1.1m to 2m long, 1.3m to 2m long, 1.5m to 2m long, or 1.7 m to 2m long, and any and all subranges between any of the foregoing ranges.

As briefly mentioned above, a single LDF 10 may not match the size of the UV LEDs, and thus, multiple LDFs 10 may be arranged in the LDF beam 100. Referring to fig. 2, one embodiment of an LDF bundle 100 is depicted. LDF bundle 100 includes a plurality of LDFs 10 disposed within a sheath 110. Each LDF 10 is substantially the same as described above with respect to fig. 1. A filler material 120 is also disposed within the jacket 110, which is selected to be substantially transparent to UV light having a wavelength of 360nm to 420 nm. The operation of the LDF bundle 100 is substantially identical to the operation of a single LDF 10. That is, incident light from the UV LED is guided into one of the ends of the LDF beam 100, and thus into one of the ends of each LDF 10 included in the LDF beam 100. Incident light travels within each LDF 10 as scattered UV light and exits through core region 12, cladding 14, and coating 16. The scattered light then continues into the substantially transparent filler 120 and exits the LDF bundle 100 through the sheath 110.

The distribution and concentration of LDFs 10 within each LDF beam 100 may be selected for a particular lighting application based on various considerations, including the size requirements of the application, the amount of light required by the application depending on the length of the beam 100, and the like. Multiple configurations of LDFs 10 within a given LDF beam 100 (e.g., combinations of LDFs 10 and different configurations of scattering centers 18) may also be utilized for particular applications. In an embodiment, LDF bundle 100 includes 4 to 10,000 LDFs 10. For example, for a film having a thickness of 3mm²The LDF beam 100 comprises about 100 LDFs 10, wherein each LDF 10 has a third cross-sectional dimension D of 170 μm₃. The number of LDFs 10 in the LDF beam 100 depends on the diameter of the LDF beam 100 and the diameter of each LDF 10 (i.e., the third cross-sectional dimension D of the LDF 10)₃). As discussed above, the third cross-sectional dimension D₃Can be from about 60 μm (e.g., for a first cross-sectional dimension D having a range of about 35 μm to 40 μm₁Glass core of) to 500 μm (e.g., for a glass fiber having a first cross-sectional dimension D of about 450 μm)₁The glass core of (a). The amount of LDF 10 that may be included in a given LDF bundle 100 may be roughly calculated as N ≈ D/a²Where N is the number of LDFs 10, D is the area of the LED, and a is the diameter of LDF 10. This relationship provides a rough approximation; the LDF 10 may be capable of being packaged within the LDF bundle 100 in a manner that achieves less dead space within the LDF bundle 100In order to increase the number N of LDFs 10 in the LDF bundle 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a light diffusing fiber bundle 200 is depicted. The LDF beam 200 includes a sheath 210 containing scattering centers 218. The LDF bundle 200 also includes a plurality of LDFs 10 disposed within a sheath 210. In embodiments in which the sheath 210 includes scattering centers 218, the LDF 10 in the LDF bundle 200 does not include scattering centers 218 in the cladding 14 or coating 16. A filler 220 is also disposed within the jacket 210. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 3, the filler 220 also includes scattering centers 218. Scattering centers 218 may be the same as or different from scattering centers 18 disposed in a single LDF 10. As with the previous embodiment, incident light is directed into one of the ends of the LDF beam 200, and thus into one of the ends of each LDF 10 contained in the LDF beam 200. Incident light travels within each LDF 10 as scattered UV light and exits through the core 12, cladding 14 and coating 16. Thus, incident light rays continue to exit each LDF 10 as scattered light rays, exit through the filler 220 and jacket 210, and then exit the LDF bundle 200.

In each of the embodiments of fig. 2 and 3, the sheath 110, 210 of the LDF bundle 100, 200 is made of a chlorinated or fluorinated polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, and the like. In other embodiments, the sheath 110, 210 of the LDF bundle 100, 200 contains ethylene vinyl acetate (e.g.,available from Arkema corporation, colorlon, france), at least one of a copolyester-thermoplastic elastomer, a polyether block amine, a thermoplastic polyolefin, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, and the like.

Fig. 4 depicts the LDF beam 100 or the LDF beam 200 connected to a UV LED light source 300. In an embodiment, the UV LED light source 300 may emit UV light at a wavelength of 360nm to 420 nm. Some commercially available UV LEDs have wavelengths of 405nm, 395nm, 385nm, and 365 nm. Such UV LEDs have a 1mm²To 5mm²Cross-sectional dimensions within the range of (a). The LDF beams 100, 200 are configured to match at least the cross-section of the UV LEDArea.

In an exemplary embodiment of LDF 10 using UV LEDs 300 having a wavelength of 405nm and a glass composition having a 15% absorption of UV light per meter, the longest usable length (i.e., the length where the loss is greater than 90%) is about 6 m. If the absorption loss per meter is 50%, the longest usable LDF 10 is about 2 m. If the UV LED 300 emits light at a wavelength less than 405nm, the LDF 10 length will be shorter.

For certain embodiments in which a medium efficiency UV fiber bundle is being used, the following equation can be used to describe:

E＝N*P*C0*EF/A

wherein E is the desired radiation intensity (mW/cm)²) N is the number of LDFs 10 in the beam, P is the power of the single source UV LED, C0 is the coupling efficiency from the source to the diffusing fiber, EF is the fiber diffusion efficiency at the wavelength of the source, and A is the radiation area in the system. Equivalent to 10mW/cm for an area A of 10cm × 10cm²Desired radiation intensity E, LDF beam 100, 200 coupling efficiency C0 of 0.8 and diffusion efficiency EF of 100%, the power required for a single UV LED light source 300 is 1.25W. If the efficiency EF drops to 50%, the power P will double. Similarly, if the number N of LDFs 10 in the LDF bundle 100, 200 is doubled to twice, the required power P will also be doubled. To the extent that multiple UV LED light sources 300 are required to achieve the desired radiation intensity E, the cost of the UV LEDs is much lower compared to, for example, UV laser diodes, thereby reducing the overall cost of the system. Furthermore, in terms of the size of the larger UV LED light source 300 that requires more LDFs 10, the low quartz glass composition provides a cost savings for the system compared to typical fused silica LDFs.

In an embodiment, the LDF beams 100, 200 and the UV LED light source 300 are incorporated into a disinfection apparatus, in particular for medical instruments. The LDF beam 100, 200 extends through a sterilization chamber in which one or more objects to be sterilized are placed. UV light is emitted from the LDF beam 100, 200, and there will be at least log after exposing one or more objects to UV light for a period of about 10 minutes to about 2400 minutes₁₀4 reduction of bacterial pathogens.

Aspect (1) relates to an Ultraviolet (UV) illumination system, comprising: at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED); and a light diffusing fiber bundle, the light diffusing fiber bundle comprising: a bundle sheath; a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the bundle jacket, each optical fiber comprising: a glass core comprising a glass composition comprising less than 90 mol% silica; and a cladding surrounding the glass core; wherein at least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers; and wherein the light-diffusing fiber bundle is optically coupled to the UV LED.

Aspect (2) relates to the UV lighting system of aspect (1), wherein the UV LED is configured to generate UV light having a wavelength of 365nm to 405 nm.

Aspect (3) relates to the UV lighting system of aspect (1) or aspect (2), wherein the UV LEDs have at least 1mm²And wherein the size of the face region at the end of the light diffusing fiber bundle is at least the same as the emission region.

Aspect (4) relates to the UV illumination system of any of aspects (1) to (3), wherein the glass composition of the glass core comprises at least one of a soda lime glass, a borosilicate glass, or an aluminosilicate glass.

Aspect (5) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (4), wherein the glass core comprises scattering centers.

Aspect (6) relates to the UV illumination system of aspect (5), wherein the scattering centers of the glass fiber cores comprise air lines.

Aspect (7) relates to the UV illumination system according to aspect (5) or aspect (6), wherein the scattering center contains ZrO₂、Al₂O₃Or a glass phase separator.

Aspect (8) relates to the UV illumination system of any of aspects (5) to (7), wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the glass core is about 0.01% to about 5% by volume.

Aspect (9) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (8), wherein the cladding comprises a polymer.

Aspect (10) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (8), wherein the cladding comprises a second glass composition different from the glass composition of the glass core.

Aspect (11) relates to the UV illumination system according to aspect (9) or aspect (10), wherein the cladding includes scattering centers.

Aspect (12) relates to the UV illumination system of aspect (11), wherein the scattering centers of the cladding comprise high refractive index particles, wherein the refractive index of the high refractive index particles is at least 0.05 higher than the refractive index of the cladding

Aspect (13) relates to the UV illumination system of aspect (12), wherein the high refractive index particles comprise BaS, SiO₂、Al₂O₃Or ZrO₂At least one of (a).

Aspect (14) relates to the UV illumination system of aspect (11), wherein the scattering center comprises a void.

Aspect (15) relates to the UV illumination system according to any one of aspects (11) to (14), wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the cladding is 0.05% to 2% by volume.

Aspect (16) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (15), wherein the beam sheath comprises a polymer.

Aspect (17) relates to the UV lighting system of aspect (16), wherein the polymer comprises at least one of: polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, copolyester-thermoplastic elastomer, polyether block amine, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide or polycarbonate.

Aspect (18) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (17), wherein the beam sheath comprises scattering centers.

Aspect (19) relates to the UV illumination system of aspect (18), wherein the scattering center of the beam sheath comprises Al₂O₃BaS hollow glassAt least one of glass spheres or air bubbles.

Aspect (20) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (19), wherein the optical fiber bundle further includes: a filler disposed within the bundle jacket and around the plurality of optical fibers.

Aspect (21) relates to the UV illumination system of any one of aspects (1) to (20), wherein the plurality of optical fibers includes at least 10 optical fibers.

Aspect (22) relates to an Ultraviolet (UV) Light Diffusing Fiber (LDF) comprising: a glass core comprising less than 90 mol% SiO₂The glass composition of (1); and a cladding disposed longitudinally around the glass core; wherein at least one of the glass core or the cladding includes scattering centers; and wherein the glass composition absorbs at least 10% per meter of light having a wavelength less than 400 nm.

Aspect (23) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (22), wherein the glass composition comprises at least 50 mol% SiO₂Up to 20 mol% Al₂O₃Up to 20 mol% of B₂O₃And up to 25 mole% R₂At least one of O or RO, wherein at R₂In O, R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs, and wherein in RO, R is any one or more of Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba.

Aspect (24) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (22) or aspect (23), wherein the glass composition comprises at most 1ppm of each of Co, Ni, and Cr and at most 50ppm of Fe.

Aspect (25) relates to the UV LDF of any of aspects (22) to (24), wherein the glass core comprises scattering centers.

Aspect (26) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (25), wherein the scattering centers of the glass core comprise air lines.

Aspect (27) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (25), wherein the scattering centers of the glass core comprise ZrO₂、Al₂O₃Or a glass phase separator.

Aspect (28) relates to the UV LDF of any of aspects (25) to (27), wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the glass core is about 0.01% to about 5% by volume.

Aspect (29) relates to the UV LDF of any one of aspects (22) to (28), wherein the cladding comprises a polymer.

Aspect (30) relates to the UV LDF of any of aspects (22) to (28), wherein the cladding comprises a second glass composition different from the glass composition of the glass core.

Aspect (31) relates to the UV LDF of any one of aspects (22) to (30), wherein the cladding comprises scattering centers.

Aspect (32) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (31), wherein the scattering centers comprise high refractive index particles, wherein the refractive index of the high refractive index particles is at least 0.05 higher than the refractive index of the cladding.

Aspect (33) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (32), wherein the high refractive index particles comprise BaS, SiO₂、Al₂O₃Or ZrO₂At least one of (a).

Aspect (34) relates to the UV LDF of aspect (31), wherein the scattering centers of the cladding comprise voids.

Aspect (35) relates to the UV LDF of any of aspects (31) to (34), wherein the concentration of the scattering centers in the cladding is about 0.05% to about 2% by volume.

Aspect (36) relates to the UV LDF of any one of aspects (22) to (35), further comprising: a coating disposed around the cladding.

Aspects (37) relate to an optical fiber bundle comprising: a bundle sheath; a plurality of the UV LDFs of any one of aspects (22) through (36) disposed within the bundle jacket.

Aspect (38) relates to the optical fiber bundle of aspect (37), wherein the bundle jacket comprises a polymer.

Aspect (39) relates to the optical fiber bundle of aspect (38), wherein the polymer comprises at least one of: polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, copolyester-thermoplastic elastomer, polyether block amine, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide or polycarbonate.

Aspect (40) relates to the optical fiber bundle of any of aspects (37) to (39), wherein the bundle jacket includes scattering centers.

Aspect (41) relates to the optical fiber bundle of aspect (40), wherein the scattering center of the bundle jacket comprises Al₂O₃At least one of, BaS, hollow glass spheres, or bubbles.

Aspect (42) relates to the optical fiber bundle of any one of aspects (37) to (41), further comprising: a filler disposed within the bundle jacket and around the plurality of optical fibers.

Aspect (43) relates to the optical fiber bundle of any of aspects (37) to (42), wherein the plurality of optical fibers comprises at least 10 optical fibers.

Aspect (44) relates to a method for disinfecting an object with Ultraviolet (UV) light, the method comprising the steps of: causing UV light to be emitted from at least one UV Light Emitting Diode (LED) into a fiber bundle coupled to the UV LED, the fiber bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers disposed within a jacket, each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers having a glass core containing less than 90 mol% silica; dispersing the UV light from the fiber optic bundle; and exposing the object to the UV light scattered from the fiber optic bundle.

Aspect (45) relates to method aspect (43), wherein the UV light has a wavelength of 365nm to 405 nm.

Aspect (46) relates to the method of aspect (43) or aspect (44), wherein the concentration is about 40J/cm²To about 600J/cm²The step of exposing the subject to the UV light is performed.

Aspect (47) relates to the method of any one of aspects (43) to (45), wherein after the exposing step, the object undergoes log₁₀4 or greater reduction of bacterial pathogens。

Aspect (48) relates to the fiber optic bundle of any of aspects (43) to (46), wherein the scattering step is at 100cm²Is provided with at least 10mW/cm²。

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Further, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.