Marktech Optoelectronics Launches Advanced High Power 280nm UVC LEDs

April 7, 2026
4 min read

High-power 280nm UVC LEDs deliver high-power with long life and a reasonable $/watt cost, empowering designers to bring more efficient solutions to market quicker than ever.

Marktech Optoelectronics, a leader in innovative light-emission and detection solutions, today announced the launch of several new 280nm UVC LEDs in single-, two-chip, and four-chip configurations, a significant innovation designed to accelerate the development and prototyping of UVGI water purifiers, air disinfection systems, and surface sanitizers. 

Critical Advantages of Marktech’s new 280nm UVC LEDs:

  1. High Efficiency: Featuring 280nm emitting chips, these UVC LEDs provide outstanding power efficiency with wall plug efficiencies of up to 7%.
  2. Durability and Eco-friendliness: The UVC LEDs are designed for longevity, exceeding 15,000 hours at L70
  3. Multiple-Chip Options: Two, four, and custom multiple UVC LED chip options enable high optical output in a compact format for demanding disinfection, medical device sterilization, and sanitization applications.
  4. Versatile Applications: 280nm UVC LEDs are ideal for a diverse range of uses such as medical equipment, gas monitors, water quality sensors, DNA purity analyzers, UVGI air systems, water purifiers, surface sanitizers, and consumer appliances 

280nm UVC LEDs are key components in a wide array of applications, including water quality sensors, DNA purity or protein analyzers, UV-vis spectrometers, UV illuminators, upper-air disinfection systems, UV tower surface sanitizing robots, UVC water purifiers, and more, across both industrial and consumer product sectors.

Key Applications of 280nm Wavelength:

  • Biochemistry & Proteomics: Used in spectrophotometers (such as Nanodrop) to measure protein concentration, often to calculate the ratio to assess protein contamination in nucleic acid samples. 
  • Sterilization & Disinfection: As part of the UV-C spectrum, this wavelength acts as a strong germicidal agent by damaging the DNA/RNA and protein of microorganisms. 
  • Label-Free Biomedical Imaging: The 280nm wavelength can be used in microscopy to detect the intrinsic fluorescence (autofluorescence) of tyrosine and tryptophan in proteins, allowing imaging of tissues without staining. 
  • Chromatography Inspection: Used in liquid chromatography detectors to monitor protein elution in real-time. 
  • Material Inspection & Curing: UV LED systems can utilize this wavelength for specialized curing of inks, adhesives, and coatings, as well as in industrial inspections. 

UVC light destroys bacteria and microbes by damaging their DNA, making them unable to reproduce. The effectiveness of a UVGI system depends on two factors: the germicidal efficiency of the wavelength used, and the optical output power delivered to the target surface. While 260–265 nm wavelengths sit closest to DNA’s peak absorption point, the dose of UV energy delivered — measured in mW/cm² over time — is equally critical to how quickly pathogens are inactivated.

This is where 280 nm UVC LEDs offer a compelling advantage. Thanks to more favorable semiconductor physics in AlGaN LED structures, 280 nm LEDs can deliver significantly higher optical output than their 265nm counterparts, often two to five times greater. This higher irradiance means target inactivation doses are reached faster, more than compensating for the modest reduction in per-photon germicidal efficiency. Additionally, 280 nm light damages both microbial DNA and proteins, providing a broader inactivation mechanism that enhances overall system performance.

“The introduction of 280nm UVC LEDs from Marktech is a significant milestone for both sensing and germicidal UV applications,” said Gary Kardys, Chief Marketing Officer of Marktech Optoelectronics. “By providing these high-power UVC LEDs, we are delivering superior high-power with long life and a reasonable $/watt cost, which empowers designers to bring more efficient solutions to market quicker than ever.”

Marktech’s 280nm UVC LEDs are now available for order. They provide an invaluable tool for developers seeking to leverage the latest UVC technology to deliver innovative, effective germicidal solutions.

For immediate assistance with a new product design project or enhancement to existing products requiring 280nm UVC LEDs, submit your inquiry here:  https://marktechopto.com/contact/ 

Marktech’s full range of UV LEDs from 235nm to 400nm:
https://marktechopto.com/led-emitters/uv-leds/

Marktech’s photodiode detectors for UV, visible, and NIR:
https://marktechopto.com/detectors/uv-detectors/
https://marktechopto.com/detectors/silicon-photodetectors/

About Marktech Optoelectronics

Founded in 1985, Marktech Optoelectronics has been at the forefront of technological innovations in light emission and detection across UVC to SWIR wavelengths. With a commitment to quality, safety, and environmental sustainability, Marktech continues to meet the evolving needs of design engineers in the OEM sector.
Marktech Optoelectronics

Media Contact:
Gary J. Kardys
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
[email protected]

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