New light source may challenge LEDs

23 January 2013 News Opto-Electronics

Scientists at Wake Forest University in the USA have developed what they claim is a viable alternative to fluorescents and LEDs for large-scale lighting, with key advantages over both.

The technology, called FIPEL (field-induced polymer electroluminescent), is flicker-free, shatterproof and gives off soft, white light rather than the yellowish glint from fluorescents or bluish tinge from some LEDs. This new lighting solution is at least twice as efficient as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and on par with LEDs.

This latest advance in FIPEL technology uses three layers of mouldable white-emitting polymer blended with a small amount of nanomaterials that glow when stimulated to create bright and perfectly white light. However, it can be made in any colour and any shape – from 2 x 4-foot sheets to replace office lighting to a bulb with Edison sockets to fit household lamps and light fixtures.

The research group is believed to be the first to make a large-scale FIPEL that can replace current office lighting and is based on natural white light. Beyond office and home lighting, it sees potential uses for large display lighting, from store marquees to signs on buses and subway cars.

Wake Forest is working with a company to manufacture the technology and plans to have it ready for consumers in the next year.

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