AIGaN Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes for Fiber Optic Sensors--SVT Associates, Inc., 7620 Executive Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3677; (612) 934-2100
Dr. Jody J. Klassen, Principal Investigator
Dr. Peter P. Chow, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82685
Amount: $74,894

This project addresses the development of low cost, ultraviolet light emitting diodes for application in fiber optic based sensors. As most fluorescent probes have strong absorption in the ultraviolet, ultraviolet light emitting diodes will increase the sensitivity and capability of fluorescence detection-based techniques while minimizing costs. A specific example would include a sensor to monitor oxygen content in marine ecosystems. This project will develop the capabilities of nitride materials for UV emitters for applications in environmental, biological, and medical sensing and diagnosis. Molecular beam epitaxy will be used to deposit high quality AlGaN epi-layers for an ultraviolet light emitting diode at 360 nm. The objective of Phase I is to fabricate AlGaN light emitting diodes at 360 nm having power output of at least 100 µW. For applications in phase fluorimetric sensing, the diodes will be characterized for high frequency modulation of up to 200 MHz.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology developed under this program will be directly applicable to low cost, robust, miniature fluorescence sensing applications in environmental, medical, or biological systems.