What is LED?
Full abbreviation of LED
is Light Emitting Diode. LED is a semiconductor device which provides visible
light when an electric current is passed through them. LED is a kind of Solid
State Lighting (SSL) like Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) and Light Emitting
Polymer (LEP). After getting an electrical current, the diode emits a bright
light around the small bulb. Basically, diodes are used in many technologies
like radios, televisions and computers as an electrical component for
conduction.
Generally, LED includes
common colors like red, green and blue. Characteristically LED is not white
light sources. Instead, LED emits closely monochromatic light which makes them
highly efficient for colored light applications such as traffic lights and exit
signs.
In order to provide
white lighting to our homes and offices, LED of various colors are mixed with a
phosphor material which converts the color of the light. Phosphor is a yellow
material which you can see on some LED products. Now, LED lights are integrated
with bulbs and fixtures for general lighting applications.
How does LED work?
Basically, a diode is a
semiconductor device which allows current to flow only in one direction. When a
diode is connected to an electric current carrying conductor, it excites
electrons within the diode and prepares them to release photons which create
light.One of the significant features of LED is that it can emit light in a
specific direction. Color of the light is a direct result of the energy gap in
the semiconductor of the diode. This indicates that LED can easily produce
bright spectrum of colors consuming very small amount of power. LED is very
sensitive in thermal and electrical conditions. So, it must be carefully
integrated into lighting fixtures.
Shapes of LED Lights
LED Lights have five
basic shapes. They are as follows:
- Flood Lights: These lights are ideal for landscape lighting,
outdoor floodlighting and motion sensor.
- Spot Lights: These lights are Good for track lighting and overhead
recessed lighting.
- Globe Lights: These lights are used in living room and bathroom
vanities.
- Decorative bulbs: These bulbs are widely used in wall sconces and
decorative fixtures.
- A-line bulbs: These bulbs are effective for room area lighting,
hallways and reading lamps.
Advantages of LED Lights
LED lights have various
types of advantages over other light sources:
- It's efficiency is very high.
- It has high levels of
brightness and strength.
- It consumes very small amount
of power.
- It can resist vibration and
shock. So, it is highly reliable.
- Radiated heat is very low.
- No Ultra Violet (UV) rays.
- It can be programmed and
regulated very easily.
- It has exceptionally long
lifespan.
- It is a cost effective and
environmentally friendly technology. Because, it saves energy and
decreases carbon emissions.