Investigating the LED's dark side. Novel LED Model Offers New Insights

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Compound Semiconductor

OSTI ID:1426901

Chow, Weng Wah ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

A revolution in lighting is well on its way. Rewind the clock a year or so and the prices of LED bulbs made many shoppers wince. But now it is possible to get a high-quality 60 W equivalent for well under $10, and that’s allowing sales of LED bulbs incorporating chips from the likes of Cree and Philips Lumileds to take off. Although these solid-state bulbs are much more pricey than incandescents, which have largely disappeared from shelves due to legislation, they more than make up for that additional up-front cost with a substantial trimming of the electricity bill. It is a more tricky decision, however, whether it makes more sense to buy an LED bulb or a cheaper compact fluorescent (CFL). In terms of durability, adaptability and environmental impact, the solid-state bulb is the clear winner. But both types of light are similar in the efficiency stakes, and thus the running costs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1426901
• Report Number(s): SAND2014--16569J; 534488
• Journal Information: Compound Semiconductor, Journal Name: Compound Semiconductor Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 20; ISSN 1096-598X
• Publisher: Angel Business Communications
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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