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They use nanoscale engineering to etch special features into a semiconductor chip, near the active area of material that produces the photons. When photons are emitted, they can travel in any direction -- but it’s only the ones at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the chip that make it out of the chip; the others are reabsorbed. The etched features, called photolattices, are patterns of lines whose spacing is similar to the wavelength of the light they’re dealing with. Hence, the lattices act like lenses, diverting more of the photons out of the chip, thereby improving the external efficiency.
It’s also possible, though not yet proven, Simmons says, that they’re improving the internal efficiency at the same time. It may be that the photolattices, by making it impossible for photons to exist in certain places in the material, are causing more of the photons that are produced to be emitted in the right direction in the first place.
The energy bill passed by Congress last summer included authorization for up to $50 million in research funding for the technology over each of the next seven years. But whether Congress will actually appropriate the funds is anybody’s guess.
Nevertheless, Simmons is excited about the possibilities. The real test, he emphasizes, will be whether or not consumers warm to a new type of lighting. “What we’re waiting for -- the next big impact -- is to start seeing use in the home,” Simmons says.
Making building-automation practical
Guest (steve)
LEDs use less energy per lumen,
they also do not get as hot.
This means it is easier to keep
a room cool and bright.
They also last a lot longer.
But how long do they last in a
land fill and what are they made of?
Guest (yojak)
Cree has some technology that is solid state lighting as well. In a talk by their CEO last year, he stated that their solution can last for upto 10 years.
Guest (Rod)
New electrical wiring standard
Are there any plans for a new electrical wiring standard? I envision a new home being designed for LED lighting, instead of a LED light being designed around the existing homes.
Would it be possible to have a very efficient AC to DC converter at the electrical box and feed 12VDC through the walls? It seems to me that it would make LED lighting options more flexible. I could speckle small LED lights over the ceiling instead of spotlights. That would also make it easy to create a battery backup for lighting during power outages.
Would this option be more efficient versus each light fixture having it's own converter?
Guest (Vince Sanchez)
You can buy LEDs fixtures that operates directly with conventional AC 120 V 60 Hz, they incorporate the conversion electronics to do so.
The 2 challenges to be resolved today: price and lumens/watt.
But this will be solved in the next years as part of the learning curve process and manufacturing expertise.
I have LEDs bulbs in my car. they are great !!.
Guest (Kristofer Saseniuk)
Bring them on! If you need a pilot home, well, I'll volunteer this house! You just can't go wrong with LEDs.
Guest (Jay Chen)
More information about LED lighting
Where can I find more information about LED lighting, such as new type LED light,people who are likely using LED light?
Guest (M J Remec)
When lighting efficiency can be improved as advertised, where is GE, Phillips, Sandia, Bell Labs, HP, GM, Honda, DOE, with their $'s? The best EFFICIENCY IMPROVERS, get a bonus, decreasing in order of improvement, all the way down to free-lobster-tail-1-lbs-lunch.
Guest (dorje py)
www.mr-laser.com deomstrated a 5w mulicolor led which would screw into a standard bulb socket.
Guest (Mike Vitale)
I have a question. I read somewhere that LED's do not emit UV light. Is that true? and if so is there a possibility that in the future they will? My concern here is the need for UV light indoors to stimulate plant growth (keeping in mind green-houses as well as indoor plants).
Thank you,
Mike Vitale
pops271@lycos.com
Guest (Vince Sanchez)
Dear Mike, Yes there are UV LEDs and Infrared.
You can visit www.ledsmagazine.com as source of information.
Your point is interetsing for plant growing since the wavelentgh could be optimized for fast plant growth.
regards,
Vince Sanchez
Guest
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Guest (Richard)
Spot lights
Lighting in many kitchens use 10 to 15 high hats that contain 100 watt spot lights and I was wondering if there are LED replacements for these lamps?
Reply
Guest (Charles Cameron)
Spot Lights
There are LED replacements for some reflector lamp typs (spot lights) but I do not believe that they have created any for the larger lamp types. This is due to the need for heat management at the LED. You should always be careful when purchasing LED products as there are many low quality products out there. They have problems with color consistancy and quality. Also, if the heat is not managed correctly the life of the LED.
Charles Cameron, Assoc. IALD,
Principal
Luce Group
Reply