Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) By: Love Lor “There are numerous sources used for lighting. The ideal light source is definitely one that has lower costs while performing at optimal shine. One of the leading designs for giving off light is LEDs.”

What Does LEDs Do? Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an electronic source of light. It is more energy efficient and is proficient for most technological designs. ▫Advantages  1) smaller in sizes than incandescent bulbs  2) high switching rates  3) generate more light per watt than incandescent bulbs  4) give off very little heat and live longer compared to most light sources Overall, energy costs are reduced.

A simple LED light consists of seven components. ▫1) The positive terminal ▫2) The negative terminal ▫3 and 5) High impact plastic and lens ▫4) Whisker ▫6) Semiconductor ▫7) Anvil What Does LEDs Look Like?

How Does LEDs Work? Diode device in which current can travels in one direction P-type semiconductors ▫have more holes than electrons ▫more positively charged N-type semiconductors ▫have more electrons than holes ▫more negatively charged By applying a positive voltage to the P-type and a negative voltage to the N-type, the electrons and the holes will move towards the depletion region (area where the P-type and N- type meet ). Photons are released due to the drop of energy by the electrons. (Harris, 2002) LED is a diode consisting of P-type semiconductor material bonded with N-type semiconductor material which gives off light when current is applied.

Why Are LEDs Important? *In today’s economies, energy is becoming more scarce and expensive. *LEDs prove to be a strong solution to help the consumers conserve energy. Overall, we are able to save money by reducing the costs for lighting.

Harris, T. (2002, June 3). How Light Emitting Diode Works. Retrieved June 9, 2009, from How Stuff Works: LED Technical Information. (1997, January 23). Application Notes. Retrieved June 8, 2009, from The LED Light: References