What Are Light-emitting Diodes, and How Do They Work?
Until recently, light-emitting diodes — frequently referred to as LEDs — were not vastly known in the electronic realm. Today, their popularity has grown exponentially due to some of their useful properties.
Their small size, low energy usage, long lifespan, and ease of use in different applications allow them to be used for various purposes: ranging from lighting up your wristwatch to occupying the air of your kitchen with their flamboyant colors.
LEDs are a simple type of semiconductor device that can fit easily into an electric circuit. They are very similar to standard light bulbs when it comes to how they operate, except for one significant difference: they contain no filament.
This article digs deep into the working principles and benefits of LEDs. Read till the end so you do not miss out on anything.
Working Principles: How Does a Light-emitting Diode Function?
Unlike conventional light bulbs, LED produces illumination through nothing but the flow of electrons through the direction of the semiconductor. Explaining technically, the two semiconductor materials are arranged in such a way that when the electrons flow between them, light is emitted.
The two semiconductor materials are:
1. N-type: This type of semiconductor has extra electrons (sometimes referred to as extra negatively charged particles).
2. P-type: This type of semiconductor has extra holes (sometimes referred to as extra positively charged particles).
When an electric current is applied, the atoms from both materials move towards the junction. When the n-type atoms move across the p-type type atoms, they donate electrons from their outermost shell to the p-type atoms.
During this process, energy is released in the form of photons: a phenomenon called electroluminescence. The energy bandgap of the semiconductor then determines the exact color of the light.
The conductive material used in LEDs is aluminum-gallium-arsenide (AlGaAs). This material is specially used for one important reason: it allows the wavelength of the released photons to fall within the range of the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The color they produce depends on the amount and type of conductive material used.
Lighten Up Your Day With a Quick Fact
The rumor that white LED exists is not valid. White light is produced either by a combination of different colors or by the use of phosphor coating.
Different Types of LEDs
Have you ever wondered what types of lights do they use in your car indicators and speedometer? Well, you guessed it right: the LEDs. But the question here is, what type?
There are two common types of LEDs: the indicator and the illuminator. The one used for illumination in cars and computers is the indicator type. They are inexpensive and consume very little power.
On the other hand, the LEDs that we use to illuminate our rooms, kitchens, and any other space with brilliant bright colors are the high-power illuminator LEDs.
Why Choose LEDs Over Other Options?
LEDs have many advantages over conventional lighting options. After reading these, you surely will give it more thoughts to replace your “not so beneficial” conventional light bulbs.
1. Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, LEDs defeat their competition with flying colors. Yep, the flying colors part was intentional.
Studies show LEDs have about 80–90% efficiency, compared to the 20% efficiency of incandescent bulbs. This means that LEDs convert almost all of their energy to light.
2. Environment-friendly
LEDs do not contain any harmful substances such as mercury. Furthermore, they are also recyclable and can be used for a more extended period of time. This means you won’t need to spend extra bucks every now and then just to buy bulbs because they were too ordinary to last a decent amount of time.
3. Range of Application
LEDs are tiny little tools that have the ability to light anything from the study area in the corner of your room to the scoreboard of your favorite sports match. They can be used to light up pretty much everything. Yes, that includes your mood too.
4. Lights Up Straight Away
Unlike other light bulbs, LEDs light up to their full brightness in the twinkling of an eye. Moreover, consistently turning them on and off does not affect its performance.
Conclusion
LED technology has come a long way since it was first introduced. LEDs' amazing advantages over their substitutes show us exactly why. People prefer LEDs over other lighting options not solely because of their technical benefits, but because they make their surroundings look extraordinarily beautiful. One thing is for sure: LEDs are the future of the lighting industry.
