Ultrafast UV Laser-Based Virus Inactivation

Advantages

• Inactivates viruses within seconds, offering much faster performance than standard UV systems.
• Uses low-power pulsed UV light that produces no ozone or harmful byproducts.
• Works for both air and surface disinfection through direct and indirect exposure.
• Provides broad antiviral coverage, effective against coronaviruses and respiratory viruses.
• Compact, energy-efficient design suitable for air conditioning and ventilation integration.

Summary

This invention introduces an ultrafast UV laser device that destroys viruses in the air and on surfaces within seconds. Using a pulsed nanosecond UV laser at 266 nm, it inactivates viruses through a nonlinear photochemical process that is faster and safer than traditional UV lamps. The system works for both direct and indirect exposure, uses less power, and produces no ozone. It can be built into air conditioning and ventilation units to keep hospitals, airplanes, and offices virus-free.

This figure has schematic and photographs of the Ultrafast UV laser-based virus inactivation and air purification device, showing direct and indirect exposure setups within a PTFE-coated reflective enclosure. The design enables uniform UV light scattering for rapid, energy-efficient virus destruction in air and on surfaces.

Desired Partnerships

• License
• Sponsored Research
• Co-Development