When September arrives, it always feels like a breath of fresh air around here. We’ve started planning our editorial topics for 2022, other strategy sessions are underway, and our 2021 special report series on ultraviolet C-band (UV-C) disinfection across multiple application scenarios is put to bed.
That doesn’t mean we’re done covering UV technology, for disinfection systems or any other applications. But we see that as playing a more moderated role in our upcoming editorial content as opposed to the pandemic-driven boom of 2020–2021.
There is still plenty to discuss, such as the ways in which systems are conceptualized, developed, and evaluated. You’ll find a contributed article by software and illumination engineering specialist Ian Ashdown in our September issue, which outlines in great detail the geometry of irradiance and why spherical irradiance modeling in particular is important to designing an effective UV system capable of delivering proper amounts of radiant power to deactivate pathogens in aerosols and liquid droplets suspended in air.
The issue also explores other advances in non-visible light usage — for example, sophisticated infrared sensing in automotive interior applications. Sure, we know that lidar and other detection methods are applied in many exterior safety systems such as obstacle detection, lane assist, and parking assist features. But ams Osram sensing product expert Firat Sarialtun places the focus on interior detection, recognition, and response systems that can be enabled by infrared LED and laser technologies. It’s an appealing combination of forward-looking automotive design and what is possible in the here and now.
You’ll also find not one but two pieces on market transformation programs that are evolving to advance LEDs in commercial buildings. Maury wrote an article on the new priorities of the US Department of Energy’s L-Prize program, whereas I spoke with California Lighting Technology Center director Michael Siminovitch (University of California-Davis) regarding the Million LED Challenge, which seeks to outfit many more institutional and commercial buildings with energy-efficient linear LED lamps or retrofit kits that offer improved reliability and better light quality. Both of these efforts stand to realize new emphasis on balancing cost, quality, accessibility, and longevity of ubiquitous lighting in large-scale projects.
And of course, we have extended coverage on our 2021 Sapphire Awards winners and those projects distinguished with our first Design Excellence Awards of recognition in conjunction with the Lighting Controls Association. Even if you have seen the original breaking news announcement, read the feature and you’ll surely agree that innovation is alive and kicking, and even breaking through previous commercial barriers to deliver cost-effective technology for better quality of experience across multiple application sectors.
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