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.

Further reading:

RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.

Read more...

---

Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.

Read more...

---

RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.

Read more...

---

Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.

Read more...

---

IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.

Read more...

---

Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.

Read more...

---

Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.

Read more...

---

Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.

Read more...

---

AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Read more...

---

European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.

Read more...

---