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Osram sets a record for brightness and efficiency for white LEDs
August 8, 2008
A new record has been set for both the brightness and efficiency of white LEDs. The developmental engineers of Osram Opto Semiconductors have developed a prototype LED which measures one square millimeter and has the brightness of 155 lumens at 350 milliamps. This new prototype also holds the record of efficiency for 136 lumen per watt.
These new semiconductors are able to function at a higher current. According to the company, at 1.4 amps, these LEDs will produce up to 500 lumens, which is brighter than a 40-watt incandescent bulb. Yet, the incandescent bulb only has an efficiency of 15 lumens per watt. In comparison with Osram’s Ostar lighting LED, which produces 75 lumens per watt, their newest creation is significantly more efficient.
The researchers from Osram Opto Semiconductors, were able to establish this new record through the combination of a number of different technologies. For example, the process to apply a thin film of the light-generating substance to the semiconductor substrate was used as a way to increase brightness. While working on this, the company also focused on an improved design for the chip.
The researchers were also able to find the optimal combination of both the blue light, which was emitted by the chip itself and the yellow light which came from the phosphor above. It is the combination of these two sources which create the white light.
Posted by Melissa D'Amico on August 8, 2008 | Comments (0)
