Table of Contents
UVC technology harnesses a powerful wavelength of ultraviolet light to deactivate harmful pathogens at the molecular level, helping to prevent the spread of germs. UVC lamps engineered for disinfection provide highly effective germicidal technology without the use of added chemicals and byproducts. UVC germicidal lamps play a crucial role in various air, water, and surface disinfection applications, helping to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.
What is UVC Technology?
UVC wavelengths are short-wave, in the range of 200 – 280 nanometers (nm), compared to UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm). UVA rays most abundantly reach the earth’s surface, UVB rays are absorbed mainly by the ozone layer, although they partially reach the surface and cause sunburns and skin damage. UVC rays are entirely absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth’s surface. UVC lamps replicate this powerful type of electromagnetic radiation, harnessing the power of UVC technology for disinfection.
UVC light technology offers many benefits when used in conjunction with practical disinfection processes, significantly reducing the spread of harmful pollutants and pathogens. LightSources and our affiliated partners offer OEM-integrated solutions featuring high-tech UVC germicidal lamps, custom design and engineering, prototype development, and proprietary UVC germicidal technology.
How UVC Disinfection Technology Works
UVC disinfection technology operates on the principle of photodamage to microorganisms. When UVC light, most effective at a wavelength of 254 nanometers, exposes bacteria, viruses, or fungi, its photons are absorbed by nucleic acids and proteins. This energy causes structural damage to DNA or RNA, such as the formation of thymine dimers or uracil lesions, which block replication and prevent the microorganism from reproducing or infecting a host.
Even if the organism remains physically present, it becomes inert and noninfectious. This is what makes UVC technology a powerful, non-chemical disinfection solution across air, water, and surface systems.
The effectiveness of UVC disinfection depends on several key factors:
- Dose – The total energy delivered, calculated as intensity multiplied by exposure time.
- Optical Access – UVC photons must reach the target organism, which is influenced by surface reflectivity, air or water flow, and system geometry.
- Lamp Stability – Consistent UV output and spectral precision over time are essential for predictable performance.
Unlike chemical disinfectants, UVC technology does not leave behind harmful residues and does not require frequent replenishment of materials. It can be engineered for continuous operation in HVAC systems, point-of-use water disinfection, or surface sterilization, making it a versatile solution for OEMs across many industries.
For a deeper technical look at the molecular mechanisms and application science, read our full breakdown: UV-C Disinfection Explained: How Germicidal Light Destroys Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi.
How UVC Lamp Technology Works
UVC lamp technology converts electrical energy into short-wave ultraviolet radiation, precisely tuned for germicidal efficacy. Each lamp type is engineered to deliver targeted disinfection performance based on its emission spectrum, operating conditions, and integration requirements.
Low-Pressure Mercury Lamps
Low-pressure mercury lamps (~254 nm) are the most common UVC light source, designed to emit predominantly at 254 nanometers, ideal for DNA absorption and pathogen inactivation. These lamps are highly efficient and used in a wide range of applications, from air purifiers to countertop water disinfection systems. LightSources manufactures low-pressure mercury UVC lamps using precision quartz types, including ozone-generating quartz for dual-wavelength systems, with customized electronic ballasts to ensure reliable performance across OEM configurations.
185 nm Ozone-Producing Lamps
When built with a specific quartz formulation, low-pressure UVC lamps can also emit at 185 nm, producing ozone as a secondary disinfection agent. Ozone fills shadowed areas that 254 nm light cannot reach, enhancing microbial reduction in complex geometries, ducts, or enclosed chambers. These lamps are ideal for HVAC, industrial odor control, and surface sanitation applications where added oxidative power is beneficial. LightSources’ proprietary lamp construction allows for optimized ozone output while maintaining high lamp life and spectral purity.
Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps
Amalgam UVC lamps offer up to three times the intensity of standard low-pressure mercury lamps and perform efficiently at higher temperatures. They are widely used in high-flow water systems, food processing, and healthcare HVAC designs. With longer lamp life and reduced maintenance needs, amalgam lamps are a preferred option for large-scale disinfection systems. LightSources provides engineered solutions with robust quartz configurations, optimized amalgam dosing, and matched ballast systems for precise power control.
Medium-Pressure UV Lamps
Medium-pressure UV lamps emit broad-spectrum UV (200–600 nm) at extremely high intensities, making them suitable for demanding disinfection environments such as wastewater treatment, ballast water systems, and beverage bottling.
These lamps support fast throughput, but require careful thermal and electrical integration. LightSources delivers medium-pressure solutions for OEMs seeking powerful, continuous disinfection with rugged lamp design and customizable support infrastructure.
Excimer Lamps (222 nm Far-UVC)
Excimer lamps produce 222 nm far-UVC light, a shorter wavelength shown to inactivate pathogens while reducing penetration into human skin and eyes. This makes 222 nm UVC promising for use in occupied spaces, including hospitals, schools, elevators, and public transit. While still emerging in broader use, LightSources supports excimer lamp development with proprietary quartz materials, reflector designs, and electrical control components for safe, effective deployment.
Each lamp system is carefully engineered to strike a balance between output, thermal behavior, and system longevity. LightSources works closely with OEMs to deliver proprietary UVC lamp technology that integrates seamlessly with existing equipment, meets disinfection goals, and aligns with application-specific challenges.
Bacterial Elimination with UVC Light
UVC technology is a proven method for disinfecting bacteria across various environments, including clinical, food processing, and water treatment settings. At its most germicidal wavelength of 254 nm, UVC radiation penetrates microbial cells and causes irreversible damage to their DNA, particularly through the formation of thymine dimers. This photochemical damage halts replication, effectively rendering bacteria non-infectious, even if physically present.
Unlike chemical disinfection, UVC treatment is residue-free and leaves no byproducts, making it especially valuable in systems where cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance are essential. The method is effective across a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
UV Dose and Bacterial Susceptibility
The inactivation rate of bacteria depends on the UV dose delivered, defined by the intensity and duration of exposure. Some bacteria are more susceptible than others, and research has established target doses for a range of common pathogens:
- E. coli – This indicator organism for water quality is susceptible to UVC. Low doses are sufficient to achieve disinfection, making UVC a standard technology in municipal and private water systems.
- Listeria monocytogenes – A persistent foodborne pathogen, Listeria is effectively inactivated on food contact surfaces and conveyor lines using UVC light. This supports the prevention of contamination in meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat food packaging environments.
- Salmonella spp. – A significant source of foodborne illness, Salmonella is susceptible to UV-C in air, water, and on surfaces. UV systems are widely used to reduce contamination risks in processing plants and cleanroom applications.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) – Upper-room UVGI systems have shown success in inactivating airborne TB bacteria. These ceiling-mounted or HVAC-integrated fixtures are used in high-risk environments, such as clinics, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities, to reduce airborne transmission.
For an in-depth look at which bacteria are most affected by UVC radiation and how UVC lamps are used across industries, see our full blog: Killing Bacteria with UV Light.
UVC Virus Inactivation Technology
UV-C disinfection is exceptionally effective at neutralizing viruses by damaging their genetic material, whether DNA or RNA, within a protective capsid. At the germicidal wavelength of around 254 nm, UVC penetrates viral capsids and disrupts replication mechanisms, rendering viruses harmless. The same approach works for both enveloped viruses (such as influenza and coronaviruses) and the more UV-resistant non-enveloped types like norovirus.
UVC, Viruses & Lamp Technology
Modern UV-C lamp systems are designed with specific wavelengths and configurations that maximize viral inactivation while adapting to different environmental needs. Traditional 254 nm low-pressure mercury lamps remain the gold standard for germicidal efficacy, directly damaging viral nucleic acids to stop replication. However, 222 nm Far-UVC excimer lamps have emerged as a groundbreaking alternative, offering effective disinfection with minimal risk to human skin and eyes.
These Far-UVC systems are particularly beneficial in occupied spaces, such as hospitals, clinics, public transit, and commercial buildings, where continuous disinfection is required without exposing people to harmful radiation. Unlike 254 nm light, which requires shielding or remote deployment, Far-UVC can be safely integrated into overhead lighting or air-handling units for real-time control of microbes.
To explore how both 254 nm and 222 nm technologies are being used across sectors, and how their applications differ, see this overview on UVC Virus Inactivation with UVC Virus Killers and Far-UVC.
SARS-CoV-2: UV Susceptibility Insights
Laboratory research confirms that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus behind COVID-19) is highly vulnerable to UV-C exposure. A comprehensive review of existing literature estimates its susceptibility to align with other coronaviruses, reinforcing UV-C’s role in neutralizing this pathogen. For lamp recommendations specifically designed to tackle SARS-CoV-2 in real-world settings, see our product overview on UVC Lamps for SARS-CoV-2. Learn more about the high inactivation performance of UVC technology (e.g., >99 % in controlled setups), proper system design, OEM planning, and regulatory compliance.
UV Light Against Fungi: Candida auris
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen known for its persistence on surfaces and difficulty in eradicating in healthcare environments. It poses a serious infection control challenge due to its ability to survive on hospital surfaces and resist many commonly used disinfectants.
Efficacy of UV-C Against Candida auris
Research demonstrates that UVC irradiation can effectively inactivate C. auris on surfaces, though its efficacy depends heavily on exposure time, fungal load, and distance from the source. A laboratory study using a mobile UVC device found that after a 10-minute exposure at 2 meters, there was a substantial reduction in colony-forming units. However, results varied based on strain and load.
These findings highlight that UVC can be a powerful adjunct for fungal surface disinfection, especially for multidrug-resistant pathogens like C. auris. Learn more about how UVC light technology kills Candida auris, including additional scientific data and recommended OEM integration strategies for safe and effective UV disinfection deployment.
While Candida auris is tougher to inactivate than many bacteria, properly engineered UVC systems, especially when combined with best-practice protocols, offer a promising line of defense in healthcare disinfection.
Air Disinfection with UVC Technology
UVC air disinfection systems, often referred to as UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation), are engineered to provide continuous, chemical-free inactivation of airborne pathogens and pollutants. Germicidal UVC lamps (typically 254 nm) are installed in HVAC systems or overhead fixtures to disrupt the DNA/RNA of bacteria, viruses, molds, and airborne allergens. These systems are ideal for maintaining cleaner, safer air in healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces, industrial settings, and other environments.
UVC Air Disinfection: Benefits Across Industries
Hospitals, homes, schools, and industrial environments all benefit from UV air disinfection. It enhances indoor air quality by reducing microbial loads, improves HVAC efficiency by keeping coils clean, and limits odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all without chemical agents. As detailed in the UV Air Disinfection Benefits blog, UVC technology supports health, productivity, and regulatory compliance across diverse applications.
Industrial-Grade UV Air Systems
In manufacturing and food processing environments, industrial-scale UV air systems are leveraged to purify contaminated air, control odors, and mitigate workplace biohazards. These systems offer scalable, low-maintenance solutions that align with stringent environmental and safety regulations. Industrial UV Air Systems protect both workers and products across challenging production environments.
HVAC-Specific Advantages of UVC Technology
Integrating UVC lamps into HVAC ductwork or on coil surfaces delivers multiple operational benefits. UVC prevents microbial buildup on cooling coils and drain pans, extending equipment lifespan, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring a healthier air supply. These systems also combat mold, allergens, and odors, enhancing occupant comfort while minimizing HVAC maintenance requirements. Learn more about UVC disinfection technologies for HVAC systems.
OEM Support and UVC Lamp Customization
LightSources provides high-performance UVC germicidal lamps engineered for air disinfection applications, from low-pressure mercury formats to high-output amalgam and ozone-capable versions. OEM engineers benefit from custom design support, lamp-source pairing consultations, and quick prototype cycles. Our air disinfection solutions integrate seamlessly into existing HVAC platforms and new builds, helping clients meet application-specific airflow, safety, and disinfection criteria.
Water Disinfection with UVC Technology
UVC disinfection technology is a proven, non-chemical method for inactivating waterborne pathogens in drinking water, industrial processes, aquaculture, and life science systems. The U.S. EPA’s Ultraviolet Disinfection Guidance Manual (UVDGM) documents how properly designed and validated UV systems deliver log inactivation of protozoa (e.g., Cryptosporidium, Giardia) and viruses while minimizing formation of regulated disinfection byproducts and avoiding chemical addition to the process train.
It also outlines planning, validation, and integration steps for utilities and engineers (e.g., dose–response relationships, UVT impacts, reactor validation). At the point-of-use / point-of-entry scale, the ANSI/NSF 55 standard distinguishes Class A systems (designed to inactivate bacteria and viruses at higher delivered doses) from Class B systems (supplemental bacterial reduction), providing a performance framework for residential and commercial products. Learn more about UV Water Purification.
UVC Disinfection Technology in Advanced Oxidation (UV-AOP)
When combined with oxidants (commonly H₂O₂ or ozone), UVC light initiates advanced oxidation processes that generate highly reactive radicals for breaking down hard-to-treat organics. In practice, UV-AOP is used upstream of polishing steps to reduce micropollutants or nuisance compounds in industrial and municipal streams.
UVC Light Technology for TOC Reduction in High-Purity Water
In electronics, pharmaceutical utilities, and laboratory recirculating loops, UVC lamp technology is applied for TOC control and microbial management. A common approach uses dual-wavelength systems:
- 185 nm (vacuum UV) to oxidize low-molecular-weight organics into CO₂ (lowering TOC) and to support upstream ozone generation for further oxidation where specified.
- 254 nm to photolyze remaining organics, maintain low bioburden, and decompose residual ozone before sensitive downstream uses.
This pairing enables facilities to meet stringent internal specifications for high-purity water while minimizing chemical additions. Learn more about UV TOC Reduction in Water with Quality Lamps.
UVC Technology and PFAS: Where UV Fits, and Where It Doesn’t
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent because of their strong carbon–fluorine bonds. Conventional UVC guidance targets microbial control, not chemical removal. Europe is actively tracking the addition of drinking-water treatment for PFAS through the European Environment Agency.
Research and pilot work continue to explore how UVC technology can assist broader treatment. UV-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), often leveraging 185 nm emission to generate hydroxyl radicals, are being investigated to degrade PFAS precursors and break down target compounds under specific conditions (e.g., unique oxidants/reductants, catalysts, and water quality controls). While promising, UV-AOP for PFAS is best viewed as application-specific and complementary to primary PFAS removal technologies rather than a stand-alone solution.
For a practical overview of UVC disinfection technology, including dose, reactor considerations, and lamp selection for water applications. Explore Understanding UV Water Disinfection.
Surface Disinfection with UVC Technology
UVC technology delivers fast, chemical-free surface disinfection across hospitals, food & beverage facilities, schools, and public venues. At the germicidal wavelength (~254 nm), UVC disinfection technology breaks microbial DNA/RNA so pathogens can’t replicate, making it an ideal add‐on to routine cleaning where high-touch surfaces drive transmission. For fundamentals, application examples, and lamp options, see Surface Disinfection.
Hospitals: Terminal Rooms, High-Touch Equipment, and Automated Cycles
Healthcare environments depend on UVC lamp technology to reduce bioburden after manual cleaning, especially in patient rooms, isolation units, ORs, and nurse stations. Mobile towers and in-room fixtures deliver calculated UVC doses to bed rails, monitors, carts, and other high-touch points, helping to reduce residual CFUs and supporting a lower HAI risk. Hospitals increasingly standardize “clean → disinfect → UVC” workflows and use multiple positions/angles to overcome shadows and complex geometries.
- Explore outcomes, use cases, and implementation tips in Hospital UV Light Disinfection: Many Uses with Big Benefits.
- See how automated cycles and device choice improve consistency in Hospital UV Disinfection: Highly Effective with Automatic Solutions.
Food & Beverage: Packaging Lines, Prep Areas, and Conveyors
In food production and commercial kitchens, UVC technology for disinfection helps reduce the microbial load on belts, tables, utensils, and packaging, where moisture and high throughput challenge the effectiveness of chemicals alone. Properly engineered 254 nm systems can be integrated over conveyors or inside cabinets to deliver repeatable exposure without taste, odor, or residue, making them ideal for use between production runs or during short line stops.
- For belt, tray, and packaging applications, see Food Irradiation (Surface Disinfection).
- Lamp selection and integration guidance are summarized in Lamps for UV Light Food Disinfection Equipment.
Kitchen Exhaust & Hoods: Self-Cleaning, Odor and Grease Control
Grease accumulation inside exhaust hoods and ducts increases fire risk, requires additional cleaning labor, and leads to complaints about odors. UVC systems inside the hood apply continuous germicidal energy to oxidize grease aerosols at the source, keeping plenums and ducts cleaner and improving airflow. When designed correctly, these systems reduce downtime and routine chemical degreasing while supporting kitchen hygiene. See how self-cleaning exhaust solutions are deployed and maintained in UV Kitchen Exhaust: Self-Cleaning Technology.
Engineering Considerations for UVC Surface Systems
Effective UVC light technology on surfaces primarily depends on dose (irradiance × time), coverage, and maintainability. Plan for:
- Geometry & coverage: Multiple lamp positions or reflective interiors to mitigate shadowing and complex shapes.
- Distance & dwell: Closer mounting and defined cycle times to hit the target dose at the surface.
- Upkeep: Clean quartz, scheduled lamp replacement, and stable power (matched ballasts) to maintain output over life.
When you’re ready to evaluate lamp types, footprints, and output classes for your surface application, our team can help you specify a solution that meets your dose targets and throughput constraints.
Excimer Lamps and Far-UVC Technology
Excimer lamps emit short-wavelength ultraviolet light in the 170–230 nm range, depending on the gas fill and internal configuration. Unlike traditional UV lamps that use electrodes and mercury vapor, excimer lamps are electrode-free and operate using a dielectric barrier discharge, which creates brief, high-energy UV flashes from excited dimer molecules (excimers).
The result is a stable, monochromatic output with minimal thermal load, ideal for precise surface treatment or targeted microbial inactivation. Different gas chemistries yield different wavelengths. Learn more about excimer technology and its full range of applications in Excimer Lamps: Many Uses Beyond Far UVC.
Far-UVC for Occupied-Space Disinfection
The 222 nm wavelength has gained attention as a potentially safer form of UV-C for use in occupied environments. Early research suggests that far UVC technology at this wavelength can inactivate pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 while penetrating the outer layer of skin and eyes less deeply than conventional 254 nm UV.
However, safety depends entirely on proper system design, including:
- Narrow-band emission at 222 nm
- Use of certified optical filters to block longer, more penetrating wavelengths
- Compliance with exposure limits set by bodies like ACGIH or ICNIRP
LightSources supports OEMs in developing excimer-based disinfection systems, offering:
- Custom quartz material selection
- Reflector engineering for dose efficiency
- Integration support for filtered Far-UVC lamp deployment
Excimer Lamps for Surface Activation and Industrial Processes
Beyond disinfection, 172 nm excimer lamps (Xe₂) are used to activate surfaces before bonding, coating, or printing. This wavelength increases surface energy without raising material temperature, making it valuable in applications where heat-sensitive substrates require chemical-free treatment. Typical applications include:
- Medical tubing surface prep
- Semiconductor and electronics packaging
- Plastics adhesion and functional coatings
Excimer systems can also be configured for ozone generation without producing NOₓ, offering utility in controlled-environment sanitation and oxidation processes.
UV Disinfection Robots: Automated Support for Surface Pathogen Control
UV light disinfection robots are increasingly used in healthcare and commercial settings to augment manual cleaning routines, delivering consistent, programmed doses of UV-C light across patient rooms, restrooms, waiting areas, and other high-touch spaces. While not a replacement for physical cleaning, these mobile devices can help reduce the microbial load when deployed appropriately and significantly enhance infection prevention efforts.
Hospitals and healthcare networks see the most significant ROI when UV robots are integrated into terminal cleaning workflows, especially in isolation rooms or high-risk zones. The CDC notes that 1 in 31 hospital patients develops a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), reinforcing the need for multi-layered disinfection strategies.
Read more about deployment best practices and value considerations in UV Light Disinfection Robot: Still a Viable, Cost-Effective Solution.
Key Considerations for Robotic UV Disinfection
To achieve effective microbial inactivation, UV-C robots must be:
- Used after manual cleaning, as soil or residue can block UV exposure
- Positioned in multiple locations to reduce shadowing and blind spots
- Equipped with the appropriate lamp type (low-pressure, amalgam, or MPUV) for the room size and desired turnaround time
- Configured for safe occupancy protocols, ensuring human exposure remains within defined limits
When applied strategically, robotic UV-C disinfection can reduce labor, improve cleaning consistency, and support facility-wide hygiene initiatives.
Advancing Disinfection Through UV Lamp Innovation
As pathogens evolve and regulatory demands increase, UV-C disinfection remains a trusted technology for chemical-free microbial control in air, water, and surface systems. LightSources supports OEMs with proven lamp technologies, including low-pressure mercury, amalgam, MPUV, ozone-generating, and excimer lamps, designed for performance, safety, and integration flexibility.
From robotic surface disinfection to Far-UVC technology innovation, our team helps engineers meet dose targets and improve reliability across critical applications.
LAMP PRODUCT DATA:
UV Germicidal LampsLAMP APPLICATIONS:
UV Germicidal ApplicationsLightSources partners with OEMs and system integrators to deliver high-performance UV lamp technologies for critical disinfection applications. From lamp selection and quartz chemistry to optical performance and electrical matching, our engineering team supports every phase of product integration. Contact us to specify the right solution for your system and unlock the full potential of UVC technology.
