Light Emitting Diode or LED lights have been in use since the 1960s and are becoming more popular and more commonly used in a wide variety of applications. LED light bulbs are different from standard light bulbs in several ways. A standard bulb works when electricity is passed through a metal wire that is wound tightly. The heat of this process produces incandescence. Because temperature is involved, the lifespan of a standard bulb is limited and can vary greatly depending on the conditions and environment that the bulb endures.

How LEDs Work

LEDs are different in the fact that they do not use heat in the illumination process. The light is produced when electrons combine together and release photon energy. This excitement of molecules does not produce much heat and requires a lot less energy consumption than standard bulbs. LED lights are encased in a durable and sealed housing. Inside, there are two sides where the energy passes through. Energy flows from the anode to the cathode side, and the gap energy will determine the wavelength and color of the light.

LED Light Application

There are a wide variety of applications for LED lighting that range from commercial to household. A LED bulb can be used in most places where a traditional light is used. This includes in flashlights, outdoor lighting, floor lamps and more. A trip to the local home improvement store will show you that there are a great many LED options available. For example, probably the most popular uses for the LED bulb for inside the home would probably be the GU10 LED, which is used a lot in track lights and recessed lighting, and outside there are many options LED landscape lighting and LED spotlights for security purposes.

LED lights are also now used in the manufacturing of televisions. LCD TVs can be backlit by LED bulbs. The use of LEDs in this manner creates a picture that has a better contrast and brighter display. Less heat is produced compared to traditional LCD televisions. The display is also significantly slimmer. As this technology is still relatively new, there is still quite a bit of debate as to which style and configuration will truly provide the best picture.

Another new emerging field for use of LED lights is in grow lights. They really excel in this field due to low heat emission and the ability to really configure the light frequencies you want to use. LED grow lights have made significant advances in the past few years and are now real contenders against their high heat emitting HID counterparts.

LEDs do not have any mercury in them, so they may be more environmentally friendly. There is however, arsenic and other materials that are used in the making of LEDs, so this type of technology is not exempt from environmental impact.

Other LED Applications

LED lighting is not the only use for the LED though, it can be found in a number of different applications. One of the most common uses would be for remote controls. Since the LED light is able to change or modulate quickly, it is ideal for sending signals from the remote to the television or DVD player. This technology is also used in gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii. Here, the sensor bar takes advantage of infrared LEDs to detect motion of the game controller. Computer mice that are optical and the grocery store bar code scanners also take advantage of LEDs.

LED lights are still a relatively new technology. They are not the standard when it comes to home lighting. But with advances of this product, we are certain to see LEDs in more applications and they will certainly become more long lasting and more sustainable.