Brighter and More Efficient Solid-State Lighting using Laser Diodes

Two consumer LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs from Philips. The high-efficiency “L-prize” bulb is on the right. Photo by Geoffrey A. Landis.

Solid-state lighting in the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) converts electrical energy into visible light with greater efficiency and less heat loss when compared to incandescent or fluorescent lights.

Above a certain current, however, LEDs become less efficient and convert less of their electrical energy into light. This is a condition known…