When an electric current passes through an LED (Light-Emitting Diode), a semiconductors device, it produces light.
The invention of the LED is credited to Nick Holonyak Jr., a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In 1962, Holonyak developed the first practical visible-spectrum LED while working at General Electric. The LED emits red light and is considered to be the first practical visible-spectrum LED.
About The Discovery Of Led
The discovery of the LED can be traced back to the early 20th century when scientists first began experimenting with using semiconductors to create light.
In 1907, British scientist Henry Joseph Round first observed electroluminescence (a material emitting light when an electric current is passed through it) in a silicon carbide crystal.
However, the light produced was too dim to be practical for use in most applications.
In the 1950s, researchers at Texas Instruments began experimenting with different semiconductors to try to create a more efficient light source. In 1961, a team led by Robert Noyce at Fairchild Semiconductor developed the first practical LED, which emitted infrared light.
That same year, Nick Holonyak Jr., a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, developed the first practical visible-spectrum LED while working at General Electric.
Holonyak’s LED emitted red light, and it was the first LED that was bright enough to be used in practical applications such as electronic displays and indicator lights.
Holonyak’s invention of the LED was a significant breakthrough in the field of semiconductor technology.
It led to the development of a wide range of LED-based products, including traffic signals, automotive lighting, and LCD displays.
Today, LEDs are widely used in various applications, from automotive lighting to general lighting and displays, and have become essential to modern technology.
What Are The Various Types of LeDs?
Several types of LEDs are classified based on their wavelength of light and the material used to create the semiconductor. The most common types include:
Red LEDs:
These are the most basic type of LED emitting red light. They are used in various applications, including electronic displays, indicator lights, and traffic signals.
Amber LEDs: Emit amber or yellow light and are used in applications such as automotive lighting and traffic signals.
Green LEDs: Emit green light and are used in applications such as traffic signals and LCD displays.
Blue LEDs: Emit blue light and are used in applications such as LCD displays and white LED lighting.
White LEDs: These emit white light and are used in a wide range of applications, including general lighting, automotive lighting, and LCD displays.
UV LEDs: These emit ultraviolet light, and are used in applications such as medical treatment and water purification.
Types of Applications of LEDs
LEDs have a wide range of applications, including:
General lighting: LED lights are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a popular choice for general lighting.
Automotive lighting: LED lights are used in various automotive applications, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting.
Displays: LEDs, such as LCD and OLED displays, are used in electronic displays.
Indicator lights: LEDs are commonly used as indicator lights in electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Traffic signals: LEDs are used in traffic signals because they are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan.
Medical Treatment: UV-LEDs are used for medical treatment such as curing dental filling, and UV-LEDs are also used for sterilization and disinfection
Water Purification: UV-LEDs can be used in water purification systems, as they can effectively kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Horticulture: LEDs are used as grow light for indoor gardening, as they can provide the specific wavelengths of light that plants need to grow.
These are just some examples of the many different types of LEDs and the applications they are used in. With the constant technological advancements, new LED applications are continually being developed.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)