Is a New Type of LED on the Horizon? Posted on February 6, 2017June 23, 2021 by Amanda Wolf The next-generation of LED lighting may have just been discovered. Researchers at the University of Strasbourg found a new type of phosphor that can potentially make future LED bulbs more efficient and cheaper. Those factors alone may increase LED adoption rates by persuading enough homeowners and businesses to transition away from incandescent lighting. Discovering a New Phosphor According to Science Daily, the Molecular Imaging and Photonics Unit at Strasbourg used highly luminescent clusters of silver atoms and zeolites that contain a porous framework of minerals. Researchers used silver atoms because they have exceptional optical properties. However, researchers first had to overcome a challenge. Silver clusters contain few silver atoms and those clusters tend to join into larger particles that lose their optical properties. The team successfully managed to prevent silver clusters from joining by inserting them into the porous framework of zeolites. More importantly, the clusters held onto their optical properties. Professor John Hofkens explained the significance of the discovery to Science Daily. “Clusters of silver atoms can assemble into different shapes including a line or a pyramid,” Hofkens said. “This pyramid shape is what we need to obtain the best fluorescence properties.” Hofkens elaborated further by saying heat causes the silver ions to only adopt a pyramid shape because the ions are trapped in a zeolite framework. “That is exactly the shape and size in which the silver cluster emits the largest amount of fluorescent light with an efficiency close to 100%,” Hofkens said. A Real-world Impact Research from the team at Strasbourg has far-reaching implications. The process they discovered can develop a new generation of LED lighting that can be used in homes, offices and industrial buildings. The next-generation of lights may also be more efficient because the new phosphor helps produce large amounts of light. Yet, one of the biggest knocks on LED lights remains price. Even though the annual operating cost of LEDs is much lower than incandescent lights according to Green Living Ideas, many buyers may scoff at paying a higher sticker price for LED bulbs. Cheaper LED bulbs have the potential to increase adoption rates, particularly indoors, where the Department of Energy stated only 2.8 of indoor lighting fixtures use LEDs. Findings from this researchers could usher in a new era of affordable and highly efficient LED lighting. Read more: Massive Growth Projected for LED Lighting Understanding LED Dimming Systems LED Lighting: A Changing Industry LED Lighting: Changing How We Light Outdoor Spaces Product Listings Matter in LED Retrofits Sports Stadiums Embrace LED Lighting Cities Improving Safety with New LED Streetlights Night Golfing? Yes, Please! LEDs Making it a Reality E-commerce offerings: (Contact a Customer Service Representative for additional selections, options, and solutions) LED Emergency/Exit LED Recessed Downlights LED Fixtures LED Drivers LED Lamps Wiring Devices and Lighting Controls Call and let us help meet all of your supply needs (866-483-7289). Did you know that any customer is eligible for online ordering? All you need to do is fill out this online form. Key benefits include: Order anytime, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you can connect, you can place an order. Create order templates, aka “My Lists.” Reduce search time, click, order, done. Track purchase history and view your account information. You can review invoices any time, track purchase history, and print or download records.
