Journey of LED'S from Past to Present

In a simple way, LEDs (Light-emitting diode's) can be described as a small device that emits light whenever an electric current is passed in its forward direction, through it. They are widely used as indicators in many equipments and gadgets. The area occupied by them is also less-hardly 1 sq mm. The colors of LEDs also varies. This depends upon the semi conducting material used as well as its composition.

LEDs were first made in 1907. Their usage was very limited for many decades to follow. The first red LED was developed in 1962. This was followed by the development of yellow and blue LEDs in the subsequent decades. There has been tremendous growth in this field of technology. The efficiency and the ouput of these tiny indicators have increased manifold ever since they were first developed. This has been made possible, thanks to the advances in semiconductor technologies, optics and material sciences.

Initially, LEDs were used in equipments such as electronics and laboratory test equipment. Its usage was then made in appliances like calculators, watches, TVs and radio's. Their high efficiency and reliability, ensured their usage was also done in various applications like lamps and other fixtures. LED's are available in many colors in different wavelength ranges. Some of the common colors include yellow, green. red, orange, infrared, , blue, ultraviolet, violet and white.

Rapid improvements in LED technologies have ensured that their usage is not restricted to lighting alone. They can now be used in different computer applications. Computer operators can now avail uninterrupted wireless connection with the usage of LEDs as light emitting device and wifi access point. This idea was funded by a grant from United States National Science Foundation. It is being continuously studied by researchers in Boston University. The basic principle behind this idea is, LEDs are so cool and use so little power, that the remaining signals can be used for wireless access points.

The biggest advantage is that the entire setup is pretty fast. Using this, data can be transferred through visible light upto 10 Mega bytes per second. The whole application is also less expensive one. There is no need for an additional investment in infrastructure, as the existing power lines can be adapted for this technology. With tech savvy workers getting more mobile and with smart phones making its entry, the advent of this technology is more apt. Phone's like iPhones can now have wifi access along with the normal cell connection. These advancements indicates that LEDs have indeed made a rapid growth and have made a long journey, ever since they first made it few decades back.