Nobel

Three Japanese-born researchers who invented the blue LED light have been awarded the prestigious Nobel prize for Physics. Although red and green LEDs have been around for some time, without a blue diode it was never possible to create white light. This means brighter light can be created with LED technology while maintaining low energy consumption. The combination of all three primary colours means white LED lighting can be created that competes with other commercial options and they are 50% more efficient at converting energy into light.

 

The Royal Swedish Academy stated in their press release after the Nobel announcement that “The [white] LED lamp holds great promise for increasing the quality of life for over 1.5 billion people around the world who lack access to electricity grids: due to low power requirements it can be powered by cheap local solar power”. This being a driving reason behind their selection as winners. In addition to this humanitarian aspect, the development of white LED lights has led to the discovery of ultraviolet LEDs that have the ability to sterilize water in developing countries.

 

It has taken 27 years of research for the three inventors, Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura to make their break-through in the development of blue LEDs. But you can reap the benefits of LEDs in your home now, find out more at