Devices Using Flexible Light Emitting Layer for Creating Disinfecting Illuminated Surface, and Related Method

A light emitting device which inactivates microorganisms, the light emitting device comprising:

• a flexible light emitting layer emitting a light;
• and
• a transparent or translucent layer disposed over the flexible light emitting layer such that the light travels through and exits an exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer and creates an exiting light,
• wherein at least a portion of the exiting light comprises a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers and comprises a minimum irradiance sufficient to initiate inactivation of microorganisms at the exterior surface, and
• wherein the exiting light disinfects the exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer.

A light emitting device which inactivates microorganisms, the light emitting device comprising:

• a light emitting layer emitting a light;
• and
• a rigid transparent or translucent conduit having an elongated hollow interior, the light from the light emitting layer traveling through and exiting an exterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit, creating an exiting light,
• wherein at least a portion of the exiting light comprises a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers and comprises a minimum irradiance sufficient to initiate inactivation of microorganisms, and
• wherein the exiting light disinfects an exterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.