Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, are exploring the use of diodes from Blu-ray digital video discs, turning them into deep ultraviolet (UV) laser photon sources to disinfect surfaces and indoor air, quickly, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team believes that the UV laser photon sources could be built into masks, disinfecting the air that is both inhaled and exhaled; fitted into air circulation ducts in buildings, disinfecting air that flows through such systems; included in hand-held devices to treat surfaces; or turned into light curtains that people pass through.

Such devices, according to the researchers, would emit UVC radiation at a wavelength (around 200 nm to 260 nm) that would destroy viruses such as coronavirus.

In addition to being inexpensive, the technology would also be deployable just about anywhere.

To further develop the technology, the researchers will attempt to reduce the wavelength of the photons from the Blue-ray diodes by half from 405 nm.