Trends

Trends

Business | Company News | Innovation | May 20, 2017
SORAA Sky Wins Prestigious LIGHTFAIR International Innovation Award
SORAA Sky Wins Prestigious LIGHTFAIR International Innovation Award Soraa, the world leader in GaN on GaN™ LED technology and illuminator of the world’s most renowned historical buildings, museums, hotels, and luxury shops, announced the company’s consumer-focused SORAA Sky bulb has won an LIGHTFAIR International 2017’s Innovation Award. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | LEDs | Manufacturing | Quality | May 16, 2017
Variability in LED Production and the Impact on Performance
Variability in LED Production and the Impact on Performance LEDs are subject to manufacturing deviations, which have an impact on the end product. Benoit Bataillou and T. Merelle, guest authors from Pi Lighting, review the surprisingly large impact on LED performance and light quality. They used traditional as well as modern indicators like CRI and TM-30 as well as the latest circadian indices to measure. The results are explained by spectral modeling and a variability study. They show the large impact on CRI, even with small deviations inside the same bin. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | LEDs | Electronics | Manufacturing | May 16, 2017
Smart LED System in Package through Wafer Level Integration Approach
Smart LED System in Package through Wafer Level Integration Approach It is believed that LEDs will dominate all lighting applications in the near future. Integration and packaging are the two critical issues that, if resolved, will enable efficient and reliable solutions for lighting requirements. Z. Kolahdouz, H. van Zeijl, and G. Q. Zhang from the Institute of Microsystems and Nanoelectronics (DIMES) at the Delft University of Technology, and M. Kolahdouz from the Thin Film Laboratory and Nano-Electronics at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Tehran show that wafer level packaging is a promising method to ensure lower cost, higher scale, and superior yield. A new integration approach of a smart unit of LED lighting is introduced: LED System in Package (SiP). Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | Optics | May 16, 2017
Ultrathin Direct-Lit LED Module with Beam Shaping Thin-Film Optics
Ultrathin Direct-Lit LED Module with Beam Shaping Thin-Film Optics Thin, high quality, LED light panels are still a challenge. LED professional’s scientific partner, CSEM, investigated and developed a new approach with its partners, GAIKER-IK4 and BASF-SE. The authors, Oscar Fernández and Rolando Ferrini, from CSEM, Leire Barruetabeña, from GAIKER-IK4, and Sorin Ivanovici from BASF SE, present a solution that uses low-cost and spectrally poor, ultra-cool white LEDs in conjunction with optical color conversion foils, to transform the output to a high-quality light. They also describe a combination with added lime and red LEDs for a color tunable solution. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | Light Conversion | May 16, 2017
New Glass-Based Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes
New Glass-Based Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes Phosphors were always the key component of high quality white LED light. With the increased effîcacy and the higher power capabilities of blue high power LEDs, the phosphors become even more important for reliability, color consistency and overall light quality. Franziska Steudel, Florian Wagner, A. Charlotte Rimbach, Bernd Ahrens, Peter W. Nolte and Stefan Schweizer, scientists at the Fraunhofer Application Center for Inorganic Phosphors, a Branch Lab of Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, investigated different glass and ceramics based phosphors for white LEDs. Read more »
Standardization + Regulation | Technology | Apr 29, 2017
LEDOTRON: Digital Dimming Technology for a New World of Lighting Convenience
LEDOTRON: Digital Dimming Technology for a New World of Lighting Convenience LEDOTRON is the name of the new digital standard for dimming systems designed for LED and compact fluorescent retrofit lamps. The innovative digital dimming and regulation technology was developed in collaboration with OSRAM and is to be passed as the IEC 62756-1 standard end of this year.The participants at the LEDOTRON press conference at the BAU trade fair in Munich in January 2013 were presented with the advantages of the LEDOTRON technology. Read more »
Technologies | Displays | Drones | Apr 27, 2017
DOCOMO Develops World's First Spherical Drone Display
DOCOMO Develops World's First Spherical Drone Display NTT DOCOMO, INC., in a continuing quest to create innovative new business, has developed a spherical drone display - an unmanned aerial vehicle that displays LED images on an omnidirectional spherical screen while in flight - which DOCOMO believes to be a world first. Read more »
Technologies | Optics | Waveguides | Apr 18, 2017
Method to Control Light Propagation in Waveguides
Method to Control Light Propagation in Waveguides A team of Columbia Engineering researchers, led by Applied Physics Assistant Professor Nanfang Yu, has invented a method to control light propagating in confined pathways, or waveguides, with high efficiency by using nano-antennas. To demonstrate this technique, they built photonic integrated devices that not only had record-small footprints but were also able to maintain optimal performance over an unprecedented broad wavelength range. Read more »
Technologies | LEDs | Light Generation | Apr 18, 2017
New Cree NX Technology Platform Redefines LED Performance for Next Generation Lighting Systems
New Cree NX Technology Platform Redefines LED Performance for Next Generation Lighting Systems Cree announces a major LED breakthrough with the revolutionary NX technology platform that will power the next generation of Cree’s lighting-class LEDs. The NX technology platform enables the new Extreme Density (XD) LED family that delivers up to four times higher lumen density than Cree’s previous generation of high power LEDs. This new technology platform makes possible innovative new designs, eliminating current constraints for a wide spectrum of lighting applications such as color-mixing, directional lighting and industrial lighting. Read more »
Resources | LpO Article | Event-Reports | Trends | Sustainability | Human Centric Lighting | Apr 03, 2017
First LightingEurope Summit – An Outstanding Figure in the Lighting Branch, Hands Over His Responsibilities
First LightingEurope Summit – An Outstanding Figure in the Lighting Branch, Hands Over His Responsibilities Diederik de Stoppelaar, one of the most influential and esteemed personalities in the lighting branch, has retired and passed over his responsibilities to Ourania Georgoutsakou. One of his last activities was initiating the first LightingEurope Summit, a one-day program, where a number of respected and eloquent lecturers were invited to speak. The venue, The Steigenberg Wiltcher's, in Brussels, was a good choice for this first of its kind event. About 150 lighting specialists, friends, and colleagues of Diederik de Stoppelaar attended the conference and farewell event. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | Optics | Applications | Mar 20, 2017
Roadway Lighting Optics for Environment Adaptive Spatial Light Distribution
Roadway Lighting Optics for Environment Adaptive Spatial Light Distribution Roadway lighting for different environmental conditions is a challenging task. But even more challenging is to find a solution with outstanding task efficiency for both dry and wet tarmac surface conditions. The drawback of these types of solutions is that they are usually made up of two different lighting systems. Since the two systems are not usually used to an equal degree, they age at a different rate. Solving this problem is very complex. Viktor Zsellér, PhD student, and Dr. Krisztián Samu, Senior Lecturer, both from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, propose an optical system that solves this conundrum. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Technologies | Thermal Management | Mar 13, 2017
Looking for the Best Thermal Solution for CSP Module Designs
Looking for the Best Thermal Solution for CSP Module Designs Chip Scale Package (CSP) LED technology is not new but while it has been used for a while in TV backlighting applications, it is relatively new to lighting applications. In many respect CSPs are a new world for lighting module manufacturers as they are smaller, usually don’t have any ESD protection, have different light distribution, and, last but not least, have a smaller heat dissipation area. The latter asks for re-thinking the traditional thermal design for modules. Dr. Giles Humpston, Applications Engineer at Cambridge Nanotherm, explains in detail why CSP LEDs present a significant thermal challenge for module designers and outlines some fundamentals in calculating the thermal flow required to keep CSP LEDs cool. Read more »
Technologies | Resources | Smart Lighting + IoT | Standardization | LpR Article | Mar 13, 2017
A Standardized Open Platform Is Key to the Future of Smart Lighting System Design
A Standardized Open Platform Is Key to the Future of Smart Lighting System Design The LED industry’s pace of evolution is more prevalent now than it has ever been. The shift from traditional standalone LED bulb lighting to fully connected digital LED systems is upon us and is transforming the industry for the better. For years, LED manufacturers have focused on driving cost down rather than focusing on improving quality, but with the advent of connected lighting, smart lighting and human-centric lighting, the focus has shifted back onto quality. Dr. Kyeongik Min, Principal Engineer in the LED business team at Samsung Electronics, explores how the LED industry can accelerate the transition from standalone lighting to fully connected lighting through a deeper understanding of current market trends. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Research | Light Generation | Light Conversion | Material Science | Mar 13, 2017
Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals - A New Promise for Light Emitting Devices
Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals - A New Promise for Light Emitting Devices Perovskites structured materials have attracted scientific and technological interest in the last four years. Recent studies have shown that these materials could deliver high photoluminescence efficiency at any desired wavelength in the visible spectrum. Mirko Prato and Francesco Di Stasio, Technologist and Marie Curie Fellow of the Institute of Photonic Sciences at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia focus on the application in single color LEDs (red, green and blue) and white emitting color-converting layers. They discuss what limits their application in everyday technology like toxicity and limited functional stability. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Commentary | Business | LEDs | Trends | Mar 13, 2017
From Component to System, Andreas Weisl, CEO at Seoul Semiconductor Europe GmbH
From Component to System, Andreas Weisl, CEO at Seoul Semiconductor Europe GmbH The history of Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) is quite short compared with some other electronic device industries. However, it has changed and revolutionized the entire world of light within a very short period of time. The history of Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) is quite short compared with some other electronic device industries. However, it has changed and revolutionized the entire world of light within a very short period of time. Read more »
Nanowire | Technologies | LEDs | Light Generation | Feb 14, 2017
Nanorod LEDs with Two Functions Could Make Multifunctional Displays
Nanorod LEDs with Two Functions Could Make Multifunctional Displays Cellphones and other devices could soon be controlled with touchless gestures and charge themselves using ambient light, thanks to new LED arrays that can both emit and detect light. Made of tiny nanorods arrayed in a thin film, the LEDs could enable new interactive functions and multitasking devices. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Dow Electronic Materials in Marlborough, Massachusetts, report the advance in the Feb. 10 issue of the journal Science. Read more »
Resources | Technologies | Light Generation | Thermal Management | Medical | Jan 26, 2017
Thermal Management of an LED Light Source for Microscopes
Thermal Management of an LED Light Source for Microscopes Thermal management is a challenge for every LED and LASER solution. Microscope lighting solutions have some very critical requirements, especially if they concern medical applications. ESCATEC in Heerbrugg, Switzerland has a lot of experience in that field and covers all relevant technical disciplines. Wolfgang Plank, head of the MOEMS Future Laboratory and cleanroom, and Gerd Harder, Key Account Manager, give insights on the design process, thermal simulation and production of an LED light source for Leica Microsystems’ Ophthalmic Microscope Proveo 8. Read more »
LpR Article | Research | Jan 26, 2017
Lifetime Calculation of White HP-LEDs from 16,000 Hours Aging Data
Lifetime Calculation of White HP-LEDs from 16,000 Hours Aging Data Accurate models are a relevant tool for correctly calculating the so-called useful lifetime predictions of LED lighting products. Until recently, only the efficiency decay and related reduced lumen output was taken into account. Max Wagner, Research Assistant, TU Darmstadt, and his co-authors, Alexander Herzog, Hristo Ganev, and Prof. Tran Quoc Khanh asked themselves if there are other lifetime limiting factors that can be modelled and predicted. Their findings showed that color shift might be more critical and in the following, propose a method to simulate and predict this behavior. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Event-Reports | Business | Technologies | Applications | Jan 26, 2017
LuxLive and SILE Sharpen Focus on End-Users
LuxLive and SILE Sharpen Focus on End-Users On November 23rd and 24th, as in previous years, LuxLive was held in the Excel Center close to London’s City Airport. This year, for the second time since the merger of Revo Media and Pennwell, LuxLive and Strategies in Light Europe were co-located. Arno Grabher-Meyer, Editor-in-Chief at LED professional, summarizes his impressions of the event, picking out the more technical oriented lectures held in the different "arenas". Read more »
Technologies | OLEDs | Light Generation | Jan 24, 2017
CTI Project Results Promise a Bright Future for OLEDs
CTI Project Results Promise a Bright Future for OLEDs Developing a low-cost, efficient method of increasing the attractiveness of OLEDs for lighting poses a significant challenge. Thanks to a CTI project, CSEM and Sefar AG have succeeded in designing a promising state-of-the-art way of achieving this aim. This technology opens up new opportunities for applications in residential, architectural, professional lighting segments, as well as consumer electronics. Read more »
Products, Materials + Tools | Technology | Dec 09, 2016
LRC Releases Free, Open Access Circadian Stimulus Calculator
LRC Releases Free, Open Access Circadian Stimulus Calculator The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has recently released a free, open-access circadian stimulus (CS) calculator to help lighting professionals select light sources and light levels that will increase the potential for circadian-effective light exposure in architectural spaces, utilizing the CS metric. Developed by LRC researchers, the CS metric is a new way to quantify light’s impact on acute melatonin suppression, a marker of circadian system activation. Read more »
Trends | Smart Lighting + IoT | Resources | LpR Article | Nov 28, 2016
Smart Lighting Market and Technology Trends
Smart Lighting Market and Technology Trends Intelligent lighting technology that enables its users to control lighting through connected devices such as smart phones or remote controls is a big topic in the industry. A new report sheds light on different aspects of this business including drivers, restraints and opportunities. Jasmine Hinduja, Research Analyst at The Insight Partners, summarizes the major findings and how the trend to intelligent systems affects the companies regarding technology skills and strategies. Read more »
Trends | Smart Lighting + IoT | Resources | LpR Article | Nov 28, 2016
Flicker: Standards and Test Methods
Flicker: Standards and Test Methods Much has been written and said about Temporal Light Artifacts (TLAs). What is essential about TLAs is that they consist of flicker and/or stroboscopic effects induced by a light stimulus whose luminance or spectral distribution fluctuates with time and causes undesired changes in visual perception for an observer in a certain environment. Walter Parmiami, Senior Engineer at UL International Italia S.r.l., discusses the current status of regulations and measurement standards and proposes a certification to help manufacturers to generate user confidence, and consumers and specifiers to find the right product for an application Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Technologies | Optics | Nov 28, 2016
Structured Glass Light Guides for Efficient Lighting
Structured Glass Light Guides for Efficient Lighting Glass injection molding technology (GIMT) for precision glass optics is a relatively new manufacturing technology. This expertise allows for producing efficient glass optics for LED lighting applications with special properties like undercut geometry or mounting flanges. A lot of progress has been made since it was introduced. Christian Passlick, Optical Engineer at Auer Lighting, shows how this improved technology supports making state-of-the-art light mixing structures for RGB/RGBW LED systems. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Technologies | Manufacturing | LEDs | CoB LEDs | Nov 28, 2016
Comparing New Dielectric Materials for Chip-on-Board LED Packages
Comparing New Dielectric Materials for Chip-on-Board LED Packages Thermal management is still one of the most challenging issues in solid state lighting. With the increased application of COB LED technology, the portion of the dielectric material on the overall thermal resistance has become an important topic. Different solutions and new materials have been proposed over the last few years. Hui Zhang, Max Wagner, and Prof. Tran Quoc Khanh from the Laboratory of Lighting Technology at the Technische Universität Darmstadt compared different materials and present the results of their extensive research. Read more »
LpR Article | Research | Nov 28, 2016
The Perspective of Bio-Hybrid White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Rubber-Like Down- Converting Coatings
The Perspective of Bio-Hybrid White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Rubber-Like Down- Converting Coatings At first, white LED technology seems to be mature. But in truth, the technology is still far from being perfect and research on all LED materials and components is ongoing. At the LpS 2016 the research of Rubén D. Costa, Lukas Niklaus, Katharina Weber and Prof. Uwe Sonnewald from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) was honored with the LED professional Scientific Award. These authors investigated the use of organic light conversion materials for white LEDs. Their research shows that these bio-hybrid white LEDs could lower costs and improve light quality. The article describes the current status of the research and future perspectives. Read more »
Technologies | LECs | Light Generation | Nov 28, 2016
LECs - The Light of the Future Thanks Nanostructures
LECs - The Light of the Future Thanks Nanostructures In future they are to light up the inside of handbags or make evening joggers stand out in the dark: Light-emitting electrochemical cells, LECs, offer many advantages compared to familiar LEDs, but there's still something lacking – the right light. Until now only yellow light LECs are suitable for realistic use. But at least one other light colour is needed for more neutral light. Researchers in the Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE) of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) have now been able to selectively change the colour for the first time and at the same time increase the performance of the LECs. Read more »
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