Innovation
Further Possibilities of LIGHT /
Future of ENERGY
Advanced Technologies for Realizing the Dreams of Society
Pursuing the quality of light and the function of light
Illuminating the world with light only Nichia can provide
By focusing on the importance of both the quality and function of light, Nichia is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of LEDs for lighting. Not only do LEDs with high energy-saving performance exist, but also LEDs that contribute to various aspects of human society, such as physical, hygienic, and physiological benefits, are now available. Expectations are also high for UV-C LEDs, which will replace mercury germicidal lamps and inactivate viruses.
UV-C LED
Responsibility to Realize a Mercury-Free Society and Virus Inactivation
Pursuing the essence of light, Nichia has been introducing new technological achievements one after another to the world. Even for UV LEDs (ultraviolet LEDs), which are generally said to be difficult to provide a stable supply of high-quality products, Nichia has been delivering a wide variety of products under its strict quality assurance system, placing the highest priority on providing customers with peace of mind. Nichia’s latest achievement is the UV-C LED. In terms of disinfection effect by wavelength, the 260nm wavelength is generally considered to be the most effective; however, Nichia has chosen the 280nm wavelength by considering the maximization of the virucidal power and lifetime. By replacing mercury germicidal lamps, which are considered to have a problematic environmental impact, Nichia will play a role in realizing a mercury-free society. Nichia has also confirmed the inactivation effect on viruses that cause infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
99.9% inactivated in 20sec.
0sec irradiation(1000x dilution for virus visibility)
20sec irradiation
30sec irradiation
non-infected cells
(Courtesy of Professor Masako Nomaguchi, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences)
(SARS-CoV-2/Hu/DP/Kng/19-020, Genbank: LC528232 was provided by Kanagawa Institute of Public Health)
Influenza virus (H1N1)
99.9% inactivated in 40sec.(Courtesy of Professor Akira Takahashi, Tokushima University Graduate School)
Dynasolis™
Energizing Azure (Sky Blue) Light Paired with Calming Warm White Light
Dynasolis™ is an LED tuning solution designed to physiologically support the optimization of circadian rhythms1 by combining energizing azure (sky blue) light with calming warm white light.
Conventional indoor lighting has mainly focused on adjusting brightness and correlated color temperature (CCT), and has not been able to sufficiently reproduce 480nm light, one of the key components of morning sunlight that influences the human body's internal clock. Dynasolis™ is distinguished by its ability to effectively supply this previously lacking light through the use of azure-color LEDs.
Adequate exposure to 480nm light in the morning stimulates the secretion of serotonin, often referred to as the "happy hormone," contributing to mental stability and improved productivity. In addition, serotonin produced during the daytime is converted into melatonin, the sleep hormone, approximately 14 to 16 hours after waking, forming the basis for natural sleepiness at night. In the evening and later hours, reducing the amount of azure light and transitioning to a lower color temperature helps avoid suppression of melatonin secretion, calms the mind, enhances a sense of comfort and security, and supports a smooth transition to natural sleep.
By appropriately adjusting both the spectrum and color temperature in this way, Dynasolis™ supports the optimization of the internal body clock and a more comfortable lifestyle for modern people who spend much of their time indoors.
1Circadian rhythm: A biological rhythm with a cycle of approximately 24 hours that living organisms possess.
sustainabLED™
Lighting the Future with Sustainable LEDs
Since its founding, Nichia has upheld the core belief of "Respect the Environment" and has consistently pursued the development of environmentally friendly products.
sustainabLED™ is an initiative that embodies Nichia's efforts to reduce environmental impact through LED technology. Through a multifaceted approach, Nichia is advancing the use of recycled materials in key LED components, developing ultra-high-brightness LEDs that contribute to the miniaturization of lighting fixtures, ultra-wide-beam LEDs that simplify optical components and enable thinner luminaires, and promoting the replacement of mercury lamps with UV LEDs.
Through sustainabLED™, Nichia aims to help realize a sustainable society and will continue to advance environmentally conscious product development and manufacturing. Visit the blog for details on these initiatives.
LD (Laser Diode)
In recent years, great success has been achieved in the development of GaN-based semiconductor lasers by diversifying the wavelength range and enhancing the optical output power. The oscillation wavelengths range from the UV region to visible blue and green regions, and with the successful in-house production of red LDs, Nichia is now capable of producing all three primary color LD chips in-house. LDs are primarily used as light sources for projectors, as well as in industrial equipment such as exposure machines and endoscopes. Additionally, they are expected to be applied in various new fields, including automotive headlights, head-mounted displays, and laser processing. With the industry's leading product quality, a variety of product groups, and stability of supply, Nichia will keep producing Laser Diodes that meet a wide range of customer needs.
Honored with the Academy Scientific and Technical Award
Driving the Development of Cinema Projection Systems with Laser Technology
In 2024, Nichia's laser diode technology received the Scientific and Technical Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The awards are given to companies and engineers who have developed significant technologies that have contributed to the motion picture industry.
This recognition was granted in high regard of the development of blue and green laser light sources used in laser projection systems for movie theaters. Compared with conventional systems using lamp light sources, laser projection systems deliver ultra-high-resolution images with more vivid colors, higher brightness, and superior contrast, significantly enhancing the movie-viewing experience. The laser light sources used in these systems are required to meet extremely high standards, including long-term reliability, high luminous efficiency, and precise wavelength control to achieve a wide color gamut. Nichia's blue and green laser diodes, as well as its red laser diodes that have been brought into in-house production since 2024, meet these demanding requirements at a high level and have been widely adopted throughout the industry.
Blue Laser Diode Module for Precision Processing
Nichia's Laser Solutions for High‑Quality and High‑Speed Copper Processing
As the electrification of mobility accelerates, welding processes for copper materials used in key components of electric vehicles, such as electric axles and batteries, are required to achieve even higher production efficiency and more stable processing quality.
Demand for copper processing is increasing and diversifying alongside the electrification of mobility. Conventional infrared fiber lasers have low copper absorption, causing unstable welding. In contrast, Nichia's high‑power blue laser solves this challenge with high copper absorption, achieving fast, high-quality copper welding for improved production efficiency.
Ultra-Compact Laser Catheter
Nichia's Next‑Generation Laser Technology for Deep-Tissue Phototherapy
By combining Nichia's next-generation laser light source technology with catheter-based phototherapy technology, a joint development of an intravascular laser irradiation system is currently underway. Until now, phototherapy for deep-seated organs such as the brain, pancreas, and liver has required highly invasive procedures, including craniotomy or laparotomy.
This system employs a thin and flexible catheter equipped at its tip with one of the world's smallest ultra-compact semiconductor laser light sources, enabling light to be delivered accurately and minimally invasively to deep areas of the body via blood vessels. This approach can significantly reduce the physical burden on patients while expanding treatment options.
Furthermore, the system allows proposals for wavelengths and irradiation methods tailored to the characteristics of each drug, contributing to the advancement of minimally invasive cancer treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoimmunotherapy (PIT). Nichia's innovative light source technology brings new therapeutic possibilities to clinical settings and opens up new horizons for the future of medical care.
Unique and Optimal Particle Design
Developing Energy that Drives the Future
As a leading phosphor manufacturer, Nichia's core technology is powder synthesis. Nichia produces magnetic materials from raw materials to finished products. With Nichia's unique synthesis process, the optimal particle design can be used for a wide range of motors for automotive, home appliances, and industrial robots whose demand is rapidly increasing.
Nichia's Commitment toSmFeN Magnetic Materials
Nichia's Focus on SmFeN
To make the most of Nichia's powder synthesis technology developed for its global leading phosphor business, Nichia took on the challenge of SmFeN (samarium iron nitrogen) magnetic material about 30 years ago. The reason why Nichia chose SmFeN instead of pursuing NdFeB (neodymium iron boron), the mainstream magnetic material, was because Nichia saw the potential in its outstanding properties. Additionally, Nd, the main raw material of NdFeB, is produced in limited areas, and Nichia was concerned about supply chain and price instability. It is Nichia's greatest responsibility to ensure that its customers can use its products with peace of mind in terms of price and supply. SmFeN bonded magnets, which are injection-molded by mixing small percentages of resin with magnetic powder, are resistant to rust and cracking, highly resistant to water and heat, and have a high degree of shape flexibility. SmFeN is still not well known, but Nichia believes it has great potential.
Total Performance and Strength Become More Evident as Time Passes
Nichia's commitment to SmFeN has become clear over time. The demand for HDD spindle motors, for example, was fueled by the freedom of physical shape that SmFeN bonded magnets offer. As the world looks forward to the arrival of electric vehicles and robotics, the performance of SmFeN bonded magnets will continue to expand the use of small motors.
SmFeN
NdFeB
Adoption of SmFeN
