The Technology Behind LED Lighting
While you might be a fan of LED lights, you probably don’t know much about the technology behind them. Most people know only that LED lighting is one of the most energy efficient and cost-effective forms of lighting available.
But, there’s an actually fascinating history behind LEDs and how they came to be. In this article, we’re going to share with you how LEDs developed to become the most efficient form of illumination that humans have invented yet. Read on for more.
What are LEDs?
LED stands for light emitting diodes and they were first invented in the early twentieth century by Soviet inventor Oleg Losev. Since then, they’ve pretty much replaced other more conventional types of lighting thanks to their durability, energy efficiency and the fact that they don’t overheat.
What is a Diode?
A diode is basically an electronic element with two terminals that conduct in a single direction. While their resistance is lower than that of insulators, diodes have a higher resistance when compared to other materials. Diodes are useful to LEDs because they create a positive-negative interaction whenever they’re attached to two electrical terminals.
How do they work?
LEDs work through a process known as electroluminescence which involves electrons that move around in a semiconductor material. The first LEDs to be invented released a low-density infrared light. You might be familiar with infrared light in electronics like remote controls and traffic lights for example. This technology was improved upon in later years to develop what we know as visible LEDs. LEDs are responsible for lighting up appliances when they’re switched on, they illuminate the numbers on your digital clock and on your wristwatch.
While LED lights are a relatively new and exciting concept in the commercial market, the advertising, automotive and aviation industry have been using them for much longer. The efficiency offered by LED lighting makes it the most viable option for homeowners as well.
The Technology behind LED Lighting
Normal LEDs are worlds apart in appearance to the kind that most people are used to. For one thing, they’re not even luminous as they’re limited to no more than 50 milliwatts of electrical power. Power LEDs, on the other hand, were developed by inventor Philip Lumileds in 1999 and he made them so they could operate on one watt of power continuously.
How is this possible? Thanks to having large semiconductor sizes these LEDs were able to handle larger power inputs. However, this still didn’t make them suitable as a form of lighting. So scientists found a way to equal the energy consumption of the normal lighting system and then reduce it to create a more efficient form of lighting that we now knew as modern-day LEDs.
LED lights provide an ideal solution to most of the lighting issues faced by consumers. LEDs don’t burn out because they don’t have a filament like incandescent bulbs, which means they can’t overheat no matter how long you leave them on for.
LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs and they’re better at saving energy too. The best part is that LED lights offer clear, bright and luminescent light, but we’re sure you knew that already.
There’s also proof that LEDs are a good option for the environment. This is why an increasing number of people are choosing to install them instead of standard fluorescent lights in their homes and work spaces. While they may be more expensive in the short-term, LEDs save you money in the long run by reducing the number of times that you have to replace them and through energy efficiency.
Plus, scientists predict that the continued technological development of LEDs will contribute to lessened production costs over time. This will make LEDs more affordable to all homeowners and not just energy-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
The Elektra Light Shop carries a wide range of LED lighting options. We can help you convert your entire home or office into an energy efficient space in no time. You don’t have to go big right away of course. You can start small with the lights in your driveway or the lights you use for Christmas decorations and take it from there. Every little bit counts and once you start using LEDs you’ll notice the difference in your energy bill and the improved level of illumination they provide.