A novel Bézier micro-lens arrays for UVC LED panels to enhance public lift sterilization

Public lifts are essential for vertical transportation in modern buildings but pose significant hygiene challenges due to frequent contact with buttons. This study introduces an innovative disinfection system that combines Ultraviolet-C (UVC)-light emitting diode (LED) technology with a uniquely designed micro-lens array (MLA) featuring a Bézier layout on the light guide panels to effectively sterilize public lift buttons. The system utilizes UVC radiation at 270 nm, with the MLA significantly enhancing the focus and distribution of UV light. The MLA structure, characterized by its Bézier layout, was precisely fabricated on the panel, achieving exceptional dimensional accuracy, with average vertical and horizontal diameters of 513.8 µm and 515.9 µm, respectively, and minimal error margins of approximately 2.76 % and 3.18 %. Results demonstrate that the UVC-LED system achieves up to 99.94 % disinfection within 10 min and 97.80 % within 60 s in central lift panel areas equipped with the MLA. In contrast, areas lacking the MLA and Bézier layout exhibit significantly lower disinfection rates, underscoring the effectiveness of this novel design. The innovative micro-lens array featuring a Bézier layout enhances UVC light distribution, providing a promising solution for developing disinfection systems that ensure efficient sterilization and reduce bacterial spread in public lifts.