Context
∙ Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) succeed the incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps of previous centuries as the world’s light-source of choice.
Light-emitting diodes (LED)
∙ A diode is an electronic component which has two points of contact, or terminals, called anode and cathode. A diode’s primary purpose is to allow current to flow in only one direction.
∙ A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it.
∙ LEDs have applications in industries, consumer electronics, and household appliances: from smartphones to TV screens, from signboards to ‘feeding’ plants light in greenhouses, from barcode scanners to monitoring air quality.
Colors produced by LEDs
∙ LEDs can produce all three primary colors which are red, green, and blue.
∙ Different LEDs can be combined on a display board to produce a large variety of colors.
Advantages of LEDs
∙ Long Lifespan: LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours or more, which means less frequent replacements and reduced maintenance costs.
∙ Energy Efficiency: They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light, reducing energy waste and lowering electricity bills.
∙ LEDs can produce up to 300 lumen (amount of visible light emitted per second) versus incandescent bulbs’ 16 lumen and fluorescent lamps’ 70 lumen.
∙ Instant Lighting: LEDs light up instantly without the warm-up time required by some fluorescent lights making it useful in applications where immediate and consistent light is essential, such as in traffic signals or emergency lighting.
∙ Environmentally Friendly: LED bulbs are mercury-free and do not contain other hazardous materials, making them environmentally friendly. They are also recyclable, further reducing their impact on the environment.
∙ Durability: LED bulbs are more rugged and durable than fragile incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. They are resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts.
