The evolution of LED and beyond

The evolution of LED and beyond

Lighting technology still remains uncharted territory entity, although tech innovators are increasingly focusing on greener ideas to better on the invention of Thomas Edison. The lighting industry stood a witness to the sudden emergence of solid-state light source, which saw its best in the form of light-emitting diode, popularly known as LED. The immediate aftermath gave wings to future design possibilities.

The sister technology of LED, organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, soon made a deep impact on the mainstream market as a fine replacement to all major light sources. The usual concept was to heat up a tungsten filament to incandescence, which gave it an edge over all existing lighting technologies in the market. LED bulbs became popular, as they permit an uni-directional flow for the current and an effective medium that served as a smart replacement for bulbs. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America joined hands with the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance, in accordance to the US Department of Energy Building Technologies Program, to embark on the same and hence achieve and manufacture products that could shape the future by making an effective use of LED lighting. Alluring range of colours and lumen output made LED the first choice for one and all. From indicators to traffic signals, and to televisions, tech minds have already embarked upon the technology to alter the accepted norms of the common mass. Before the dubious 3D TVs dropped in, the LED Televisions had been the talk of the town as major electronics giants rolled out their LED TV model. Taiwanese electronic giant BenQ made an effective use of LED back lighting, scrapping the CCFL technology to carve out their exciting range of LCD monitors. Boasting higher dynamic contrast and features like flicker free screen, LED monitors soon moved up the ladder in the market.

 

Strong frame and invulnerable to catastrophic failure, all devices based on solid-state lighting gives it the potential to operate on a low-voltage DC power and hence an easily operated medium for anyone to use it extensively. These objects when grouped respond at temperatures which is as low as -40°C. On the other end, they are also easily dimmed and don’t cause any flickering issues. Multiple applications find their use in effectively using LED due to the absence of infrared as well as ultraviolet energy radiation. Hence, LED fits the bid to be more environmental friendly and mingles well with the new ecological regulations which have made mercury and led an object that is meant for disposal. Speaking of economy, the outdoor lighting happens to be the first general illumination application which have made the future bright and paved the way smooth for future improvement. LED street light that carries a “light engine” usually have an output of 80 lumens per watt. This is inarguably a rewarding phase if we draw a tangent to the total expenses incurred in revamping any street light that makes use of a normal HID lamp, which can burn 15,000 to 25,000 hours. If we consider the mean time for the replacement of the lamp, it would put up a value that is three times of the total life. This implies lamp maintenance costs are automatically reduced with the LED lamps. With the government regulations forcing the use of more efficient light sources, LED definitely has a bright future ahead. One of the very basic advantages of LED over other lighting objects is its easy way to mold things in the best possible shape and sizes. LED takes a different route to emit light from multiple frames and not just one particular frame or source. As a bonus, they offer a chance to be shaped into concrete materials to be used in the edge of glass or light panels.

The presence of LED also makes it capable of putting a check on CO2 emissions. LED is definitely the revolutionary road to future, just like a storehouse of unprecedented possibilities. Through innovative technology in display and complete positioning of series of LED monitors, BenQ is the world’s first company to adopt VA panel technology onto their LED monitors, being alluring and efficient at the same time. In spite of the tall promises, LED, like every technology, has its own drawbacks.

High manufacturing costs, accompanied by heat dissipation, are some of the major challenges that further research into this technology has to overcome. The cost structure for the LED products is also an important fact to consider where direct production can only light up the way. The inspiring part of the story finds its way in the form of lower-cost production LED; inarguably the finest choice when everyone is looking forward to walk the greener patches on earth.

The author is General Manager, BenQ India, participant company of Taiwan Excellence, TAITRA