Device for Generating Uvc Radiation

Abstract

A device for generating ultraviolet radiation by means of an excimer discharge, which device is equipped with an at least partly UV-transparent discharge vessel whose discharge space is filled with a gas filling, with means for triggering and maintaining an excimer discharge in the discharge space, and with a luminescent material that contains a phosphor comprising a host lattice of general formula (Y1-x-y-z,Lux,Scy,Az)PO4 wherein 0≦x<1 and 0<y≦1 and 0≦z<0.05 and A is an activator selected from the group of bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium is useful for disinfection and purification of fluids and surfaces and provides improved germicidal action. The invention also relates to a UVC-phosphor comprising a host lattice of general formula (Y1-x-y-z,Lux,Scy,Az)PO4 wherein 0≦x<1 and 0<y≦1 and 0≦z<0.05 and A is an activator selected from the group of bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium comprising a improved emission spectrum. Such UV-C phosphors show a high quantum efficiency (>80%) and a strong absorption of 170 to 190 nm radiation. These phosphors emit UV-C radiation comprising a broadened band in the wavelength range between 225 and 275 nm.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.