CN115768488A - Self-disinfecting electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-sterilizing electronic device (1), for example comprising a waveguide structure (3) and a radiation source (4) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (R) in the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure ( 3) in. The waveguide structure (3) is superimposed on the device surface (2a) and comprises a waveguide layer (5) having a first interface (5a) facing the surrounding air and facing the device surface (2a ) of the second interface (5b). The waveguide layer (5) is used for propagating the electromagnetic radiation (R) in the waveguide layer (5), and for the evanescent field (F) generated by the electromagnetic radiation (R) to penetrate the first interface (5a) and enters the air while propagating in the waveguide layer (5). The evanescent field (F) sterilizes the first interface (5a) by killing viruses and bacteria. The electronic equipment is continuously sterilized and completely independent of human labor or other external equipment.

Description

Self-Sanitizing Electronic Devices

technical field

The invention relates to an electronic device comprising an external device surface which is sterilized by radiation.

Background technique

Surfaces contaminated with viruses or bacteria and touched by humans can transmit viruses or bacteria through so-called indirect contact infections. Electronic devices that are fixed and partly public, such as elevator buttons or keypads, are at high risk of such contamination, but portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets that are partly personal, are also at risk.

Currently, electronic equipment is sanitized by hand disinfection or manual application of liquid disinfectant, or semi-automatically by placing it in some kind of disinfection equipment. Manual disinfection is time-consuming and inefficient, and can lead to variable final disinfection results. Semi-automated disinfection using equipment still requires some human intervention and may not even be possible due to the size and/or location of the equipment that needs to be sterilized. Furthermore, when disinfection is performed by radiation (eg, ultraviolet (UV) light), due to issues related to radiation dose and exposure time, it is necessary to perform disinfection in a fully enclosed environment such as an enclosure for health reasons.

Furthermore, these sanitization processes are not performed continuously and it is not possible to sanitize between each instance of use.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device with improved hygienic features. The above and other objects are achieved by the features claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a self-sterilizing electronic device comprising a surface element comprising a device surface, such as an outer display or a rear cover surface. The electronic device further comprises: a waveguide structure superimposed on the device surface such that a principal plane of the device surface and a principal plane of the waveguide structure extend parallel; a radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure. The waveguide structure includes a waveguide layer having a first interface facing the surrounding air and a second interface facing the device surface. The waveguide layer is used to make the electromagnetic radiation propagate in the waveguide layer along a first direction parallel to the main plane, so that the evanescent field generated by the electromagnetic radiation penetrates the first interface and enters the air, the evanescent field sterilizes the first interface. The evanescent field penetrates the first interface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and away from the device surface.

This solution passes the UV radiation through the entire area of the waveguide structure and subsequently distributes the UV radiation over the entire outer surface of the electronic device. The waveguide structure essentially confines the UV radiation inside the electronic device, except for a very small distance outside the waveguide layer. The electronic equipment is sterilized continuously and completely independent of manual labor or other external equipment. In addition, since the waveguide structure is arranged outside the electronic device, it has little influence on the arrangement of other components of the electronic device.

In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure includes multiple layers, wherein main planes of the layers extend parallel to each other and extend parallel to the main plane of the waveguide structure. By extending the waveguide structure and its layers so that the radiation path is parallel to the main device surface, the waveguide structure can have a very low height without significantly affecting the overall thickness of the device.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used to adhere the waveguide structure to the surface of the device, so that the The waveguide structure is simple, reliable and uniformly attached to the device surface.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide layer includes a radiation input end, and the electromagnetic radiation enters the waveguide layer through the radiation input end.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation is preferably between 100nm and 400nm, more preferably between 190nm and 280nm, and the wavelength is effective in killing viruses or bacteria. most efficient.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the average penetration depth of the evanescent field from the first interface to the ambient air corresponds to a range of 0.5 times the wavelength to 2 times the wavelength of the wavelength. A distance of a few hundred nanometers to said surrounding air is sufficient to kill any virus or bacteria without affecting the health of the user.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the radiation source is one of a UV LED (preferably, a low-voltage UV LED), a high-intensity UV lamp, a superluminescent diode, and a laser diode.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes a waveguide cladding layer, and the waveguide cladding layer is disposed on the second interface of the waveguide layer and the surface of the device Between and one of the adhesive layers, the waveguide cladding layer is used to minimize absorption losses at the second interface.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding layer includes a material with a lower refractive index than the waveguide layer. The difference in refractive index facilitates efficient transmission of radiation.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding comprises film layers or atomic layer deposition, so as to achieve a layer as thin as possible but still effective.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the refractive index of the waveguide cladding layer is 1.3 to 1.5, and the refractive index of the waveguide layer is 1.5 to 2.5.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding layer includes at least one of CaF and MgF.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide layer includes at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO3. These hard ceramic materials are highly resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion and enable long-lasting, effective disinfection. Furthermore, the disinfection process can be easily monitored and controlled electronically.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide layer comprises a material such that its radiation loss is less than 10 dB/cm (preferably, less than 1 dB/cm).

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes an electromagnetic radiation sensing device, and the electromagnetic radiation sensing device is at least partially disposed on the second interface of the waveguide layer Between the surface of the device and one of the adhesive layer, preferably, between the cladding layer of the waveguide and the surface of the device or the adhesive layer. The sensing means is adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and generate an indication that said electromagnetic radiation has been detected, thereby enabling detection of any unwanted leakage of ultraviolet radiation.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the sensing device includes a sensing layer and a photodetector; the sensing layer is used to generate electromagnetic radiation in the visible or near-infrared spectrum, and transmit the The visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation is transmitted to the photodetector. This allows for automatic, continuous detection, and detection of leaks unnoticed or undetected as required.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the self-sterilizing electronic device further includes a control and monitoring system, the control and monitoring system is operatively connected to the waveguide structure and used for controlling and/or The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source is monitored so that the disinfection process is performed fully automatically and in continuous mode.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the surface element includes a user touch function, and the control and monitoring system is configured to deactivate the radiation source in response to the user activating the user touch function and and/or in response to said photodetector detecting said visible or near infrared spectrum radiation. This is advantageous in avoiding direct exposure of human skin to UV radiation, since the radiation source can be switched off when the device is in use and/or the device surface is touched.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the control and monitoring system is configured to modulate and/or filter the signal generated by the electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensing device, so as to be compatible with the electromagnetic radiation of the environment The corresponding signal can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source, so that the sensing device does not register radiation emitted by the sun or the like.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes a coupling device, and the coupling device is configured to guide the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source into the waveguide layer. This makes it possible to place the radiation source in a position independent of the position of the waveguide layer and optimal for electronic function and mechanical constraints. Furthermore, by folding the radiation path, other components can be manipulated around and/or the waveguide structure can be made to have a very small height.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the coupling device includes at least one of a reflective surface, a grating coupler structure, or a prism structure. With this solution, the position of the radiation source can be separated from the position of the waveguide layer. This not only allows the radiation source to be placed in an optimal position for electronic function and mechanical constraints, but also makes the size of the radiation source no longer an important limiting factor, because the radiation source can be placed in the Any suitable location within an electronic device.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the radiation source and/or the coupling-in device are disposed adjacent to a periphery of the electronic device.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the surface element is one of a display assembly and a rear cover. This can sanitize some or all of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device, provide an overall appearance to the electronic device, and provide additional protection for other components of the electronic device.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the surface element includes a glass substrate.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the main plane of the device surface and the main plane of the waveguide structure adjacent to at least one peripheral edge of the electronic device are equally curved, so that both Regardless of the three-dimensional shape, the entire surface of the electronic device can be disinfected.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the electronic device is one of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a keyboard, a button, or a door handle.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

Description of drawings

In the following detailed description of the invention, aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a and Figure 1b show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1c shows a schematic top view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2a shows a schematic top view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2b shows a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2a;

3 to 8 show partial cross-sectional views of electronic devices provided by different embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Figures 1a and 1b and Figures 2a and 2b show a self-sterilizing embodiment where a portable electronic device 1 (i.e. smartphone, tablet, desktop or any portable computer) is shown in front and rear perspective Shows. Although Figures 1a and 1b show a smartphone, the invention can be implemented with any portable electronic device such as a tablet, laptop or any portable computer. Figure 1c shows an embodiment of a self-sterilizing stationary electronic device 1 in the form of a button such as an elevator button. Other embodiments of the electronic device 1 may include a tablet computer, a wearable device, a keyboard or a door handle (not shown). Other embodiments of the electronic device 1 are also conceivable and not excluded.

The electronic device 1 comprises a waveguide structure 3 arranged on a surface element 2 having a device-facing surface 2a. The front view shown in Figure 1a shows the waveguide structure 3 disposed on the front surface 2a of the device (eg, the outermost surface of the display assembly 2), and the rear view shown in Figure 1b shows The waveguide structure 3 is provided on the rear surface 2a of the device (eg, the outermost surface of the rear cover 2).

Said surface element 2 may be a display device comprising several layers, including a transparent outer cover layer, or a covering element such as a casing covering the sides and/or the back of the device. The surface element 2 may comprise a substrate made of glass, plastic or metal. When the surface element 2 is placed on the front surface of the device 1, preferably the substrate is transparent; when the surface element 2 is placed on the rear surface of the device 1, preferably the substrate is transparent. The substrate is metallic.

The waveguide structure 3 is superimposed on the device surface 2a, preferably directly on the device surface 2a, but other elements may be arranged in between.

As shown in FIG. 3, the waveguide structure 3 is superimposed on the device surface 2a such that the main plane P1 of the device surface 2a and the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3 extend in parallel (even as shown in FIG. This is also the case if the device surface 2a is curved) or extends non-planarly (for example when the device surface 2a is 2.5-dimensional or 3-dimensional). Said main plane P1 of said device surface 2 a and said main plane P2 of said waveguide structure 3 may be identically curved adjacent at least one peripheral edge 12 of said electronic device 1 . In other words, regardless of the topology of the device surface 2a, the waveguide structure 3 may have the same properties over the entire device surface 2a.

A radiation source 4 is used to emit electromagnetic radiation R in the ultraviolet spectrum into said waveguide structure 3 . The wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R is preferably between 100 nm and 400 nm, more preferably between 190 nm and 280 nm.

The radiation source 4 may be one of a UV LED (preferably a low voltage UV LED), a high intensity UV lamp, a superluminescent diode and a laser diode.

The waveguide structure 3 includes at least a waveguide layer 5 . The waveguide layer 5 has a first interface 5a facing the surrounding air (i.e., the outside of the electronic device 1) and a surface 2a facing the device (i.e., the outermost surface of the display assembly or the back cover) The second interface 5b. The waveguide layer 5 extends parallel to the device surface 2a and may be arranged adjacent to the device surface 2a, ie directly on top of the device surface 2a, or one or more additional layers may be arranged in between , examples of which are described in more detail below. The surface elements 2 provide support for the waveguide layer 5 so that the waveguide layer 5 can be thinner but still mechanically stable.

The waveguide layer 5 comprises a radiation input end at which the electromagnetic radiation R enters the waveguide layer 5 . The radiation input end is arranged on the leftmost side of the waveguide layer 5 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 . The radiation input may comprise other components, however, the radiation input may also comprise only an open radiation transparent surface passing through the waveguide layer 5, also referred to as butt coupling.

The waveguide layer 5 is used for propagating the electromagnetic radiation R within the waveguide layer 5 along a first direction D1 parallel to the main plane (P1, P2). The electromagnetic radiation R enters the waveguide layer 5 at the radiation input end, then propagates in the waveguide layer 5 by reflection, and finally due to the absorption loss of the material of the waveguide layer 5 and the surface of the waveguide layer 5 impurities are reduced.

This propagation causes the evanescent field F generated by said electromagnetic radiation R to penetrate uniformly throughout the first interface 5a and extend slightly into said surrounding air. The evanescent field F extends along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and away from the device surface 2a and the surface element 2 and penetrates the first interface 5a, as shown by arrows in FIGS. 2b to 8 shown. The evanescent field F sterilizes the first interface 5a.

The penetration depth d of the evanescent field F is a function of the refractive index of the waveguide layer 5 and the angle at which each beam of electromagnetic radiation R propagates within the waveguide layer 5 . Light rays propagating at smaller angles (i.e. substantially parallel to the first interface 5a) will penetrate to a lesser extent into the surrounding medium, while rays propagating at larger angles will penetrate the surrounding medium to a greater extent. An evanescent field F into the surrounding medium. Since the total radiation in the waveguide layer 5 is the sum of the rays propagating in the waveguide layer 5, the penetration depth d of the evanescent field F is also the sum of the contributions of each ray. The summed average of the penetration depths d of the evanescent field F is of the order of the wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R in the case of a typically uniform distribution of radiation rays in the waveguide layer 5 . For a wavelength L of 200 nm, in this example the summed average of the penetration depths d is a value in the range 100 nm to 300 nm. For a wavelength L of 400 nm, in this embodiment said penetration depth d is a value in the range of 200 nm to 600 nm.

At the boundary between the waveguide and the surrounding medium, the evanescent field F always exhibits a maximum. From then on, in the surrounding medium, the field strength decreases exponentially. The penetration depth d corresponds to the distance to the boundary at which the field strength decreases to around 30% of the maximum value.

In one embodiment, the maximum value of the penetration depth d is 1 μm. The maximum intensity of the evanescent field F occurs at the first interface 5a, and the intensity of the evanescent field F increases as the evanescent field F moves along the second direction D2 (that is, the evanescent field F moves away from all The first interface 5a travels) through and decreases. The maximum value of the average intensity of the evanescent field F may be 400 nm, preferably, the maximum value may be 280 nm.

The waveguide structure 3 may comprise a plurality of layers (5, 6, 7), the main planes of the layers (5, 6, 7) may extend parallel to each other and to the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3 extend.

In one embodiment, the waveguide structure 3 comprises an adhesive layer 6 for adhering the waveguide structure 3 to the device surface 2a. The adhesive layer 6 may contain conventional transparent glue. The waveguide layer 5 may be attached directly to the device surface 2a. The waveguide structure 3 may also be attached to the electronic device 1 in other ways, such as being fixed to the periphery or inner frame of the electronic device or a printed circuit board by adhesive or screws.

The waveguide structure 3 may further include a waveguide cladding layer 7, and the waveguide cladding layer 7 is disposed between the second interface 5b of the waveguide layer 5 and the device surface 2a and the adhesive layer 6. between one. The waveguide cladding layer 7 serves to minimize absorption losses on the second interface 5b. Furthermore, the waveguide cladding layer 7 also protects the adhesive layer 6 so that it remains in good condition and is not affected by electromagnetic radiation R.

The waveguide cladding layer 7 may comprise a material with a lower refractive index than the waveguide layer 5 . For example, the refractive index of the waveguide cladding layer 7 may be 1.3 to 1.5, and the refractive index of the waveguide layer 5 may be 1.5 to 2.5.

In one embodiment, the waveguide cladding layer 7 contains at least one of CaF and MgF. In addition, the waveguide cladding layer 7 may be a film layer or atomic layer deposition. The waveguide layer 5 may contain at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO3. Preferably, said waveguide layer 5 comprises a material such that its radiation loss is less than 10 dB/cm, preferably less than 1 dB/cm.

The waveguide structure 3 may further comprise an electromagnetic radiation sensing device 8 for detecting electromagnetic radiation R in the ultraviolet spectrum and at least partially arranged on the Between the second interface 5b and one of said device surface 2a and said adhesive layer 6 . Preferably, the sensing device 8 is arranged between the waveguide cladding layer 7 and the device surface 2 a or the adhesive layer 6 , as shown in FIG. 8 . As mentioned above, the electromagnetic radiation R is within the waveguide layer 5 along the second One direction propagates to D1. Said electromagnetic radiation R is substantially contained within said waveguide layer 5, ie no electromagnetic radiation R penetrates said first interface 5a along said second direction D2. However, if there are defects such as scratches in the waveguide layer 5, thereby altering the optical properties of the layer, the radiation will be scattered in a similar manner towards the outside, outwards and inwards towards the device surface 2a. The electromagnetic radiation R may propagate unnecessarily along all directions except the first direction D1. Consequently, the electromagnetic radiation R may leak into the surrounding air and may adversely affect the user's health.

The sensing means generates an indication that the electromagnetic radiation R has been detected in response to detecting the electromagnetic radiation R.

In one embodiment, the sensing device 8 comprises a sensing layer 8a and a photodetector 8b. The sensing layer 8a is adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation R2 in the visible or near-infrared spectrum and transmit said visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 to the photodetector 8b. The sensing layer 8a may be composed of a plastic film such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filled with quantum dots whose absorption is tailored to absorb ultraviolet radiation and generate the visible or near-infrared spectral radiation R2. The visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 propagates through the sensing layer 8a to the photodetector 8b, which records the visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 and is operatively connected to a Other means for alerting the user of the plant of the fact that there is an accidental leakage of the electromagnetic radiation R or a control and monitoring system 9 for deactivating the radiation source 4 . The device user can also be alerted directly by said radiation R2 when said device user is in the visible spectrum.

The control and monitoring system 9 may be operatively connected to the waveguide structure 3 and used to control and/or monitor the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 . said control and monitoring system 9 may control the amount of said electromagnetic radiation R emitted by said radiation source 4, monitor possible leaks of said electromagnetic radiation R using said sensing means 8, alert said user of such leaks, and /or cause the user of the electronic device 1 to activate or deactivate the radiation source 4 .

Said surface element 2 may comprise a user touch function 10, said control and monitoring system 9 being operatively connected to said touch function 10 and adapted to deactivate said radiation source 4 in response to a user activating said user touch function, Such that the radiation source 4 emits the electromagnetic radiation R only when the electronic device 1 is not being used or handled by a user. Furthermore, the radiation source 4 may also be deactivated in response to the detection of the visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 by the photodetector 8b.

The control and monitoring system 9 can also be used to modulate and/or filter the signal generated by any electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensing device 8, so that the signal corresponding to the ambient electromagnetic radiation R3 (for example, the ultraviolet light emitted by the sun radiation) can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 .

The electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 can be guided directly into the waveguide layer 5 . However, the waveguide structure 3 may also include a coupling-in device 11 as shown in Fig. 2b, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 . The coupling-in device 11 is used to guide the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 into the waveguide layer 5 . Preferably, the coupling-in device 11 is placed adjacent to the radiation input end of the radiation source 4 and the waveguide structure 3 , and to a certain extent is compatible with the radiation of the radiation source 4 and the waveguide structure 3 . Inputs are aligned. Mechanical clamps may be used to place and hold the radiation source 4 and/or the outcoupling device 11 in the correct position relative to the waveguide layer 5 .

The coupling device 11 may include at least one of a reflective surface (as shown in FIG. 7 ), a grating coupler structure (as shown in FIG. 6 ), or a prism structure (not shown).

The reflective surface or the redirecting surface of the grating coupler structure or the prism structure may be arranged such that the main direction of the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 is redirected mainly parallel to the waveguide structure 3 of the main plane P2 propagation. Light propagation within the waveguide structure 3 thus takes place within an angular distribution of the boundary between the waveguide structure 3 and the surrounding waveguide cladding 7 which is smaller than the critical angle for total internal reflection. The critical angle of total internal reflection is defined by the refractive indices of the waveguide structure 3 and the cladding layer 7 .

The reflective surface or the redirecting surface may extend at an angle α of 35°-55° (preferably 45°) to the waveguide structure 3 and for ) redirects the electromagnetic radiation R by an angle β. The reflective surface or the redirecting surface may include at least one of a polished surface and a reflective coating. The reflective coating may be a multilayer structure composed of UV transparent materials with high and low refractive indices, each layer having an optical thickness of one quarter of the wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R.

The radiation source 4 and/or the coupling-in device 11 may be arranged adjacent to the periphery 12 of the electronic device 1, as shown in Fig. 2b.

Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in connection with various embodiments. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored/distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, and may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (eg, cross hatching, arrangement of parts, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered a part of the entire written description of the invention. As used in this specification, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" and their adjective and adverb derivatives (e.g., "horizontally," "rightward," "upwardly ”, etc.) simply refer to the orientation of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or rotation, as the case may be.

Claims (17)

1. A self-disinfecting electronic device (1), characterized in that it comprises:

-a surface element (2) comprising a device surface (2 a);

-a waveguide structure (3) superimposed on the device surface (2 a) such that a main plane (P1) of the device surface (2 a) and a main plane (P2) of the waveguide structure (3) extend in parallel;

-a radiation source (4) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (R) within the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure (3);

the waveguide structure (3) comprises:

-a waveguide layer (5) having a first interface (5 a) facing the ambient air and a second interface (5 b) facing the device surface (2 a);

the waveguide layer (5) is adapted to propagate the electromagnetic radiation (R) within the waveguide layer (5) along a first direction (D1) parallel to the main planes (P1, P2) such that an evanescent field (F) generated by the electromagnetic radiation (R) penetrates the first interface (5 a) into the air, the evanescent field (F) disinfecting the first interface (5 a).

2. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said waveguide structure (3) further comprises an adhesive layer (6), said adhesive layer (6) being for adhering said waveguide structure (3) to said device surface (2 a).

3. Self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said electromagnetic radiation (R) has a wavelength (L) preferably lying between 100nm and 400nm, more preferably between 190nm and 280nm.

4. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that an average penetration depth (d) from said first interface (5 a) to said evanescent field (F) in said surrounding air corresponds to said wavelength (L) in the range of 0.5L to 2L.

5. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said waveguide structure (3) further comprises a waveguide cladding layer (7), said waveguide cladding layer (7) being arranged between said second interface (5 b) of said waveguide layer (5) and one of said device surface (2 a) and said adhesion layer (6), said waveguide cladding layer (7) serving to minimize absorption losses at said second interface (5 b).

6. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) of claim 5, characterized in that said waveguide cladding layer (7) comprises at least one of CaF and MgF.

7. Self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said waveguide layer (5) comprises at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO 3.

8. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said waveguide structure (3) further comprises electromagnetic radiation sensing means (8), said electromagnetic radiation sensing means (8) being at least partially arranged between said second interface (5 b) of said waveguide layer (5) and one of said device surface (2 a) and said adhesive layer (6), preferably between said waveguide cladding layer (7) and said device surface (2 a) or said adhesive layer (6);

the sensing device (8) is for detecting electromagnetic radiation (R) within the ultraviolet spectrum and generating an indication that the electromagnetic radiation has been detected.

9. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said sensing means (8) comprise a sensing layer (8 a) and a photodetector (8 b);

the sensing layer (8 a) is for generating electromagnetic radiation (R2) in the visible or near infrared spectrum and transmitting the visible or near infrared spectrum radiation (R2) to the photo detector (8 b).

10. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a control and monitoring system (9), said control and monitoring system (9) being operatively connected to said waveguide structure (3) and being adapted to control and/or monitor the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by said radiation source (4).

11. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said surface element (2) comprises a user touch function (10), said control and monitoring system (9) being adapted to deactivate said radiation source (4) in response to a user activating said user touch function and/or in response to said light detector (8 b) detecting said radiation (R2) in the visible or near-infrared spectrum.

12. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said control and monitoring system (9) is adapted to modulate and/or filter the signal resulting from the electromagnetic radiation detected by said sensing means (8) so that the signal corresponding to the ambient electromagnetic radiation (R3) can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by said radiation source (4).

13. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said waveguide structure (3) further comprises coupling-in means (11), said coupling-in means (11) being adapted to guide the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by said radiation source (4) into said waveguide layer (5).

14. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that said coupling-in means (11) comprise at least one of a reflecting surface, a grating coupler structure or a prism structure.

15. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said surface element (2) is one of a display assembly and a back cover.

16. Self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main plane (P1) of said device surface (2 a) and said main plane (P2) of said waveguide structure (3) are identically curved adjacent to at least one peripheral edge (12) of said electronic device (1).

17. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic device (1) is one of a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, a keyboard, a button or a door handle.

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