• Uviquity startup developed a far-UVC emitter using blue lasers and aluminum nitride crystals, potentially leading to cheaper and more accessible air disinfection.
• Far-UVC light can kill over 99.9% of airborne viruses like COVID-19 but concerns remain regarding ozone production and air quality.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of far-UVC on air quality and to optimize its deployment for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Uviquity, a startup, has unveiled a new far-UVC light source that utilizes blue lasers and aluminum nitride crystals. This technology offers a potentially cheaper and more scalable alternative to existing excimer lamps for disinfecting indoor air and combating airborne diseases. Far-UVC light has the ability to kill airborne pathogens like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and influenza, offering a promising tool for pandemic prevention and public health. However, further research is needed to address concerns about ozone production and ensure safe and effective deployment.

• What: Development of a new far-UVC light source using blue lasers and aluminum nitride crystals by Uviquity, offering a potentially cheaper and more efficient alternative to existing excimer lamps.
• Who: Uviquity (a startup), Scott Burroughs (CEO of Uviquity), Dylan Matthews (Vox writer), NS Nanotech, Blueprint Biosecurity.
• When: May 7, 2025 (article publication date), Uviquity emerged from stealth this month (May 2025), January 2024 (Matthews' previous article on far-UVC).
• Where: Raleigh, North Carolina (Uviquity's location); potential deployment in schools, daycares, hospitals, retail stores, and offices.

The development of a cheaper and more efficient far-UVC light source has significant implications for public health. The current excimer lamps are expensive and require periodic replacement. Uviquity's approach using blue lasers and aluminum nitride crystals could drastically reduce the cost of far-UVC disinfection, making it more accessible for widespread use. The technology promises to be particularly useful in enclosed public spaces where the risk of airborne disease transmission is high. However, concerns about ozone production and its impact on air quality need to be addressed through further research. The potential impact of widespread far-UVC adoption could be a significant reduction in the spread of airborne diseases, including influenza, tuberculosis, and future pandemics.

aluminum is plentiful and nitrogen is plentiful. It doesn’t require a whole new technology or infrastructure in order to build these devices. Once we realized that, we also realized just how well positioned this would be in order to scale up very rapidly.

Uviquity's new far-UVC technology represents a significant step forward in the fight against airborne diseases. By using readily available materials and existing technologies, the company aims to create a more cost-effective and scalable solution for air disinfection. While concerns about ozone production and air quality remain, ongoing research is providing valuable insights and potential mitigation strategies. If these challenges can be addressed, far-UVC lamps could become a ubiquitous tool in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses and mitigating future pandemics.