Light Emitting Diode (LED)

An LED is a semiconductor light source, they are commonly used as indicator lamps in many devices, from commercial to household and are increasingly being using for lighting sources. During the early days of the LED in 1962, they were introduced as a practical electronic component emitting low intensity red light, but nowadays they have been developed for the visible, ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths with a much higher brightness. 

When an LED is switched on, electrons recombine with electron holes inside the device while releasing energy in the form of protons. This process is called electroluminescence and the colour of the light is determined by the size of the energy gap of the semi conductor.

Light Emitting Diodes are small in area, averaging less than 1mm² and integrated optical components may be used in order to structure its radiation pattern. 

Advantages

• Lower energy comsumption than incandescent light sources
• Imroved robustness
• Small size
• Faster switching
• Greater durability and reliability