EXPERIMENT OF THE LIGHT CURING UNIT USING LED

卤素灯是传统光固化设备的唯一光源。近年来，各种光源如氩激光器、氙灯、电弧光源和蓝色发光二极管（LED）被引入。在这些光源中，由于特定的波长、寿命和能量消耗，LED作为卤素灯的替代品已经引起了人们的兴趣。特别是，它们的低能耗使其适合于便携式使用。在本研究期间，我们的目的是评估实验LED固化单元的光强和稳定性，该单元采用无绳式结构。LED光源的组成和会聚照射：1998年，我们使用61个LED作为实验固化单元的光源，但最近，37个LED足以用于树脂复合材料的固化。因此，LED的产量提高了四倍，并引入了反光板。并且实现了光源的尺寸缩小。2.辐照方法：脉冲辐照对LED是可行的，对几种条件下的脉冲辐照对树脂复合材料的辐照效果进行了评价。脉冲辐照比连续辐照具有更好的固化树脂复合材料的能力。3.电池的使用：使用电池的LED固化单元的光强度在测量的起始点非常稳定，并且使用Ni-MH电池和锂离子电池从一次电池充电超过3000秒没有变化。实验性LED光固化机的效率达到了临床使用的要求，但为了研制出更高性能的无绳光固化机，除了LED外，还需要进一步研究其他新的光源和照射方式。最近，人们期待已久的蓝紫半导体激光器也已问世，激光二极管将有可能用作无绳光固化装置的光源。

Halogen lamp was the only light source of conventional light curing units. Recently, various light source was introduce such as Ar laser, xenon lamp, arc source and blue light emitting diode (LED). Among these sources, LED has attracted interest as an alternative to halogen lamp due to specific wave length, lifetime and energy consumption. Especially, their low energy consumption makes them suitable for portable use.In this research period, we aimed to evaluate light intensity and stability of the experimental LED curing unit which structured with cordless type.1. Component and convergence irradiation of LED light source : In 1998, we used 61 LEDs for light source of experimental curing unit, but recently, 37 LEDs are enough for cure of resin composite. Therefor the out put of LED improved four times and introducing of light reflector. And size down of light source has achieved. 2. Irradiation methods : Pulse irradiation is available for LED.The efficacy of several conditions of pulse irradiation for resin composite were evaluated. The pulse irradiation demonstrated the better capability than continuous irradiation to cure the resin composite. 3. Using of battery : The light intensity of the LED curing unit using batteries were very stable at the starting point of measurement, and there were no change for over 3000 seconds with Ni-MH buttery, and Li-ion battery from one battery charge. The efficiency of the experimental LED light curing unit achieved for clinical use sufficiently, In order to develop the cordless light activated unit of higher performance, further investigation will be needed introducing not only LED but also other new light source and irradiation methods. And recently long-awaited Blue-violet Semi-conductor Laser has also become available, by which laser diodes will possibly be used as a light source for a cordless light curing unit.