New Light
Incandescent bulbs offer warm, but inefficient, illumination. Fluorescent lights save energy and last longer but cast a greenish glow. With the help of researchers at Brown University, engineers at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, have come up with a brighter idea. They’ve developed a tiny solid-state laser that promises to deliver a longer-lasting white light while using minimal electricity. Related to the LEDs that blink in electronic appliances, the device emits ultraviolet light, which strikes a phosphor coating; the phosphor glows with an eye-pleasing white light. Lightbulbs made from the chips could last up to 10 times longer than fluorescent bulbs and up to 50 times longer than incandescent ones. The invention, only 20 micrometers square, requires the help of large conventional lasers; an electrically powered prototype should be ready within two years, with commercial models due in five to 10 years.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build
“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us.”
ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it
The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.
Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives
The workplace tool’s appeal extends far beyond organizing work projects. Many users find it’s just as useful for managing their free time.
Learning to code isn’t enough
Historically, learn-to-code efforts have provided opportunities for the few, but new efforts are aiming to be inclusive.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.