Among the many application fields of LEDs, one of the most promising ones is general lighting, owing to the developments in blue LEDs and white LEDs. White LEDs are produced by combining blue LEDs and phosphors (Figure 5). Although their intensity remains lower than fluorescent lamps, the latest high-power white LEDs can provide higher intensity than incandescent lamps.
Along with these technological advances, manufacturers are now working on the development and commercialization of LED lamps for use in indoor lighting, as well as applications for automobile headlights. Naturally, there are many challenges to be overcome before widespread use is a reality, including achievement of cost-performance comparable to conventional electric lights. However, given the remarkable technological innovation of the past few years, it is expected that market expansion will bring further improvements in LED luminous efficiency, and further cost reductions.
The range of uses will surely continue to increase, not only for white LEDs but also for LEDs of other colors, within the context of saving energy and the need for thinner designs.
The LED, the new "light" of the 21st century, will surely serve as a key technology for social infrastructure, such as traffic systems, as well as many industrial sectors, such as electronics and automobiles. LEDs will also bring a diverse array of innovations to our daily lives and provide a powerful means for saving energy for the future. |
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