What is Beacon's Technology?

Curious to learn about Beacon's underlying technology? Here is everything you need to know

UV, or ultraviolet light, is part of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). The EMS is measured in wavelengths, and is the general name given to the known range of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. One wavelength is the horizontal distance between two peaks of the wave. Those wavelengths are measured in nanometers. Visible light--the light we see--ranges from approximately 400-700nm wavelength. This includes light like fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and multi-colored LEDs.

There are three types of ultraviolet light, and they are all invisible to the human eye. Their wavelengths range from 100-400nm.

Type 1: UVA Light (315-400nm)

UVA rays have the longest wavelengths of all ultraviolet lights
All of the UVA rays are transmitted through the Earth’s ozone layer and is the one we are most likely to be in contact with. UVA is not readily absorbed by the ozone layer - about 95% reaches our planet’s surface.
Most of the UV rays you come in contact with on a daily basis are UVAUVA rays have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin (the dermis). This can cause reactions such as tanning and premature skin aging, and play a role in the development of certain skin cancers.
300-420 nm is a subset of the UVA/UVB spectrum and is visible to birds, insects, fish

Type 2: UVB Light (280-315nm)

Most, but not all UVB rays are transmitted through the atmosphere (some are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer) and some pass through
UVB rays have a short wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis)It can just penetrate the outer protective layer of the skin and is responsible for delayed tanning, sunburns and most skin cancers.
A large amount of UVB is absorbed by the ozone layer - only 5% reaches our planet's surface.

Type 3: UVC Light (100-280nm)

UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths of the ultraviolet spectrum
All UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer, so it does not reach our planet’s surface.
UVC can be created artificially to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Far-UVC is a subset of UVC spectrum at 200-230nm

What makes Far-UVC 222nm so special?

Far-UVC is a small subset of wavelengths in the UVC spectrum that includes 200-230nm. Far-UVC is unlike the standard germicidal UVC spectrum (254nm) that has traditionally been tested and currently commercially available.

Far-UVC, specifically 222nm, has been shown to not penetrate the outer layers of our skin and eyes. The International Ultraviolet Association depicts the differences between UVC, UVB, and UVA and how far these different wavelengths will affect people below:

Far-UVC, 222nm, has also been proven effective in a multitude of studies. One prominent researcher in this area, Dr. David Brenner from Columbia, gave a TED talk about the benefits of Far-UVC against pathogens like coronaviruses and the flu. If you'd like to read more into the science on the safety and efficacy of 222nm, we have several studies and reports on Far-UVC posted here.