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What In The World Is An LED?


The latest innovation in lighting is the LED; we see them everywhere, on our new cars, in our televisions and other electronic devices, even in our Christmas lights. So what is an LED?

A LED is a light emitting diode with two leads or conductors, when energy is applied; electrons within the device are activated releasing energy in the form of protons. This effect is known as electroluminescence. The energy band gap of the semiconductor determines the color of the light.

LED's were first commercially used in 1962, and were low intensity infrared light, these are still used today in items such as digital clocks and as indicator lights on electronic devices. Modern LED's have a much wider wavelength and can produce very bright light. I recently purchased an LED flashlight and the brightness of the light amazed me, it works great.

LED's have many advantages over incandescent light sources, including lower energy consumption, longer service life, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. They are also significantly more energy efficient and have fewer environmental concerns linked to their disposal.

The next time your purchase new light bulbs, check out the LED's, they may cost a little more, but they will be more efficient, brighter and last longer than conventional incandescent bulbs, they are the future of illumination.


Mike, The Home Depot Answer Man

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Posted 2018-12-13T21:23:44+0000  by Mike_HD_OC Mike_HD_OC