The Lighting Revolution: How LED Light Bulbs Are Changing the World

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29 May 2024

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In a world where efficiency and sustainability have become the pillars of innovation, LED bulbs emerge as the beacons of the new era. It is not just a matter of illuminating spaces; It is a revolution that redefines how we live, work and conserve our planet.

The Marks that Light the Path

When we talk about quality and trust in the LED bulb market, certain names shine with their own light. Philips, Osram and Sylvania are some of the brands that have managed to combine cutting-edge technology with reliability that consumers not only want, but also need. These brands have shown that it is possible to offer long-lasting and energy efficient products, without sacrificing the quality of light that brings us so much comfort in our daily lives.

Advantages and Disadvantages: An Illuminating Analysis

LED bulbs are not only known for their long lifespan and low consumption, but also for their contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. Lasting up to 50,000 hours, these bulbs are a testament to sustainable innovation. However, not everything is light on this bright path. The initial price may be higher compared to other options, but it is an investment that pays for itself over time, thanks to its efficiency and durability.

The Cost of Shining: Production Prices

The production of LED bulbs is a process that reflects the evolution of the industry towards greener and more efficient practices. Although production costs may vary, the true value of these bulbs is measured in terms of their long-term environmental and economic impact. It is an investment in our future, a commitment to a more sustainable world.

Let me enlighten you with the fascinating history behind LED bulbs. From their humble beginnings to their brilliant present, here is the story of how these small sources of light have changed the world:

H.J. Round: The Forgotten Theorist
Although his name is rarely mentioned, Henry Joseph Round, an English electrical engineer, was the first theorist of LED lights. In 1907, while working on a radio direction finding system for shipping, he discovered that inorganic materials could be illuminated. His discovery was the basis for future research and experiments.
Round not only contributed to the development of radio communications, but also to the idea of illuminating inorganic materials. His work, although often forgotten, laid the foundation for what was to come.
The Fathers of Electroluminescence
Russian Oleg Lossew was the first scientist to demonstrate that a semiconductor crystal could generate and amplify radio signals. He observed that the diodes used in the receivers emitted light when electric current passed through them. His work between 1925 and 1941 gave rise to the scientific patent called “light relay”.
At the same time, the French physicist Georges Destriau discovered the emission of light in zinc sulfide. Although he is considered the father of electroluminescence, he recognized that much of his work was due to what was done by Lossew. That's why he called the invention “Lossew Light” after his Russian counterpart.
Nick Holonyak Jr.: The Pioneer of Modern LEDs
On October 9, 1962, American scientist Nick Holonyak changed the history of lighting by inventing the light-emitting diode (LED). Its first LEDs emitted a low intensity red light.
Holonyak, while working for the appliance company General Electric, developed the LED as an extension of transistor technology. Its design allowed the direct conversion of electrical energy into optical energy, without intermediate processes that would slow down the process. This marked the beginning of a revolution in lighting technology.

The Legacy of LEDs

LED bulbs initially invaded the Christmas decoration industry, but their versatility and efficiency led them to become the source of lighting for televisions, stadiums and casinos.
Today, LEDs emit light with high brightness and in a variety of colors. They are more economical and durable than traditional incandescent lamps. They don't get hot, they don't take long to light up and they rarely melt.
Let me enlighten you with the fascinating history behind LED bulbs. From its humble beginnings to its brilliant present, here is the story of how these small light sources have changed the
world:

1. The Forgotten Work of H.J. Round

- Many inventors have contributed to the enlightenment we enjoy today, but one of the least cited is Henry Joseph Round, an English electronic engineer. Born in 1881, Round is best known for his contribution to the development of radio communications and his work for the English Navy. However, his contribution to LED lights should not be overlooked.
- In 1907, while working on a radio direction finding system for shipping, Round made a crucial discovery: inorganic materials could be illuminated. His discovery, published in the journal Electrical World, laid the foundation for future research.
- H.J. Round had the first idea of illuminating inorganic materials, although his name rarely appears on lists of notable inventors.

2. The Fathers of Electroluminescence

- Russian scientist Oleg Losser also contributed to the development of LED lights. Between 1925 and 1941, he demonstrated that a semiconductor crystal could generate and amplify radio signals. Furthermore, he observed that the diodes used in the receivers emitted light when electric current passed through them. His work was reflected in the scientific patent called "light relay."
- At the same time, the French physicist Georges Destriau discovered the emission of light in zinc sulfide. Although he is considered the father of electroluminescence, he recognized that much of his work was due to what was done by Lossew. That's why he called the invention "Lossew Light" after his Russian counterpart.

3. Nick Holonyak Jr.: The Pioneer of Modern LEDs

- On October 9, 1962, American scientist Nick Holonyak Jr. changed the history of lighting by inventing the light-emitting diode (LED). Its first LEDs emitted a low intensity red light.
- Holonyak, while working for the appliance company General Electric, developed the LED as an extension of transistor technology. Its design allowed the direct conversion of electrical energy into optical energy, without intermediate processes that would slow down the process. This marked the beginning of a revolution in lighting technology.

4. The Legacy of LEDs

- LED bulbs initially invaded the Christmas decoration industry, but their versatility and efficiency led them to become the source of lighting for televisions, stadiums and casinos.
- Today, LEDs emit light with high brightness and in a variety of colors. They are more economical and durable than traditional incandescent lamps. They don't get hot, they don't take long to light up and they rarely melt.
- The Swedish multinational Ikea has proposed to sell only LED lighting, and the European Union banned the production of 100-watt light bulbs in 2009.

Conclusion: The Light of the Future

LED bulbs are not just a product; They are a commitment to the future. As we move towards a more environmentally conscious world, these small but powerful light sources represent a huge leap forward. They are the promise of a brighter, more efficient tomorrow, a tomorrow where each of us has the power to make a difference.