Solid-state Lighting
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Lighting applications that use semiconductor materials like light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), or polymer light emitting diodes (PLED) as sources of illumination rather than electrical filaments, plasma (used in arc lamps such as fluorescent lamps), or gas are referred to as Solid-state Lighting (SSL).
Brief Description
Compared to incandescent lighting, SSL creates visible light with reduced heat generation or parasitic energy dissipation. Even conventional fluorescent lamps are essentially solid state light sources, as most light is generated in the solid state fluorescent coating of the tube. Conventional incandescent light bulbs are essentially solid state light sources too, as light is generated in the solid state tungsten filament.
The typically small mass of a solid-state electronic lighting device provides for greater resistance to shock and vibration compared to brittle glass tubes/bulbs and long, thin filament wires. They also eliminate filament evaporation, potentially increasing the life span of the illumination device.
Benefits of Solid-state Lighting:
• Long life: LEDs can provide 50,000 hours or more of life, which can reduce maintenance costs. In comparison, an incandescent light bulb lasts approximately 1,000 hours.
• Energy savings: The best commercial white LED lighting systems provide more than twice the luminous efficacy of incandescent lighting. Coloured LEDs are especially advantageous for coloured lighting applications because filters are not needed.
• Better quality light output: LEDs have minimum ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
• Intrinsically safe: LED systems are low voltage and are generally cool to the touch.
• Smaller flexible light fixtures: The small size of LEDs makes them useful for lighting tight spaces.
• Durable: LEDs have no filament to break and can withstand vibrations.
Thus, solid-state lighting is often used in traffic lights and is also used frequently in modern vehicle lights, train marker lights, remote controls etc.
References:
http://www.green-building-dictionary.com/words.php
